Founding members of the NTPRADAO have retracted their earlier allegations against Hayithung Bill Lotha, admitting that statements made in December 2024 were “false, defamatory and malicious.”
In a press release, the members said they “regret their wrongful accusation for committing a criminal act” against Lotha and acknowledged their “involvement in a false, defamatory and malicious content aired and circulated on various media platforms.”
The group specifically referred to statements issued on December 17 and a live press conference on December 23, 2024, stating that these were “baseless remarks, defamatory statements and allegations” that caused “irreparable damage” to Lotha’s “good reputation, dignity, and public image.”
They further admitted that allegations accusing Lotha of “conspiring and being a mastermind” and “forging… signatures” in connection with the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) issue were made “without any supporting evidence.”
According to the statement, Lotha has filed both civil and criminal defamation cases against the members before the Chief Judicial Magistrate in Dimapur under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
While accepting responsibility, the members claimed that their actions were carried out “due to the instigation of some high-ranking officials,” adding that those responsible would be “exposed in court proceedings formally.”
They also referred to the alleged involvement of certain officials and a minister, though no verifiable details were provided.
The members stated that they are “distressed mentally, emotionally and physically” over their actions and clarified that Lotha “has not been a member of or office bearer of the NTPRADAO,” contrary to their earlier assertions.
The statement was issued by founding members, including Phemching Konyak (President), Zuchamo Patton (Vice President), Ikato Zhimomi (Secretary General), Keduta Chakesang (General Secretary), Albert Kire and Temjen Mar (Secretaries).