The GPRN/NSCN-U has issued a critical response to comments made by its former leader, N Kitovi Zhimomi, who reportedly endorsed renewed negotiations between the Government of India (GoI) and NSCN-IM.
In a press statement issued by Gen. (Retd.) MB Neokpao Konyak, President, and Alezo Venuh, Ato Kilonser, the GPRN/NSCN-U condemned the “deplorable statement” made by N Kitovi Zhimomi, calling it a “blatant deception of the stand taken by the GPRN/NSCN (U) and the Working Committee of the Naga National Political Groups.”
“Till 21st April 2024, prior to the impeachment and expulsion from GPRN/NSCN, he (Kitovi) was against any further peace talks or negotiations and maintained that all negotiations had ended on 31st October. His statement shows that he was misguiding the Nagas and the NNPGs, and was hand in glove with NSCN IM to delay the signing of the settled position,” the GPRN/NSCN-U said.
The collective leadership of the GPRN/NSCN-U emphasized that the extraordinary session of the National Tatar Hoho on April 21, 2024, was vital for the survival of the people’s government. The statement added that after this session, the public naming and shaming of senior national leaders caused mistrust among the Naga people, who are considered “the real stakeholders and source of power of the Naga Political Movement.”
Furthermore, the GPRN/NSCN-U claimed that Kitovi’s statements exposed “the conflict of interests of the Armed forces, Political system, and the Intelligence Mechanism of India” in the ongoing Naga peace process, arguing that “the old school of intelligence machinery of India still wants to hold the Northeastern region as a militarized conflict zone.”
“This has led to indirect feeder lines and feelers activating conflicting situations, creating ideological differences between the Naga National Political Groups to create splits,” it added.
Welcomes GoI’s ‘cancellation of identification cards’ of Kitovi group
In a strong endorsement of recent actions by the GoI, the GPRN/NSCN-U welcomed the cancellation of identification cards for Kitovi Zhimomi and his supporters. The group called this one of “the strongest measures taken by the Government of India in the post-ceasefire period,” noting that Kitovi and his followers were now banned from using the GPRN/NSCN emblem or identity in public.
“Ceasefire Agreement of 1997 and revised Ground Rules of 2002 is a standstill agreement. The Ministry of Home Affairs has to be firm on the stand in implementing the ground rules, without any leniency and considerations,” it stated.
The statement also explained that Kitovi was expelled from the GPRN/NSCN (U) for “turpitude, nepotism, and highly corrupt practices that brought discontent in all the ranks.” It accused his supporters of violating ceasefire rules by displaying arms in civilian areas and recruiting cadres publicly.
The group further urged the GoI to uphold its commitment to the ceasefire agreement with WC NNPGs, which prohibits any regrouping of factions.
Recalling the 2012 Ceasefire Agreement signed between GoI and GPRN/NSCN after the impeachment of former Chairman SS Khaplang, the group described it as a pivotal moment in Naga history. The statement said, “The Present Ceasefire continues at the strength of the Ceasefire of 2012.”
The GPRN/NSCN-U reiterated its commitment to the long-standing Naga self-determination agenda established in 1929. It called for continued trust in the Working Committee of the NNPGs, which it described as key to achieving “an honourable and acceptable political solution with the GOI.”