DIMAPUR: GPRN/NSCN(N.Kitovi) commemorated the 79th Naga Independence Day declaration on August 14 at Tatar Hoho-Ki at camp Kehoyi near Dimapur.
Speaking on the occasion, N.Kitovi Zhimomi, Ato Kilonser, GPRN/NSCN and also convener, Working Committee, Naga National Political Groups (WC NNPGs) warned that the NSCN(I-M) was harmful for the Naga people, and also questioned the latter’s reluctance to work together with the WC, NNPGs for an inclusive solution.
Kitovi recalled events of 1988 that led to the split in the NSCN resulting in years of violent clashes. He recalled that after 21 years of factional conflicts, civil society organisations and public paved the way for peace through the efforts of Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR) under Rev. Dr.WatiAier.
Kitovi said FNR was instrumental in cessation of factional fighting and killings and the signing of covenant of reconciliation which facilitated signing of 14 agreements under FNR amongst various Naga Political Groups. He said FNR strived to achieve peace between all groups and also to come together and work for Naga Solution.
Kitovi however said that despite all these efforts, NSCN (I-M) “hurriedly” signed the Framework Agreement with Government of India on August 3, 2015 and that it had resulted in no tangible outcome even after years of the signing of the FA.
On the other hand, he said the WC,NNPGs initiated their own dialogue with the government of India, resulting in the signing of the Agreed Position on November 17, 2017, “for transparency and to safeguard the Nagas”.
He said WC NNPGs held 52 rounds of negotiations with the Government of India, and concluded talks on October 31, 2019, and has since been waiting the final signing of the solution.
Kitovi added that when WC NNPGs were waiting for solution, the NSCN (I-M) in 2020, after all negotiations were concluded, brought out their demanded for Flag and Constitution on the plea that without these two, solution, would not be accepted.
He alleged that NSCN (I-M) not wanting to come together with NNPG,as stated by their president, Q Tuccu, was nothing new because even after signing 14 agreements in the past for a common goal, NSCN (I-M) went ahead and signed the Framework Agreement.
Kitovi however made it clear that Q Tuccu’s statement that NSCN (I-M) did not want to work together with NNPGs was not from his own heart but that he was made to sign the statement. “He might not have been forced , but he was made to sign”, Kivoti said.
He further alleged that only a handful of NSCN (I-M) leaders, “three to four individuals”, were aware of the contents of the Framework Agreement, while “99% of its members,” were kept in the dark.
Kitovi claimed that solution would instead “pose a danger” to the NSCN (I-M), due to their past actions, including massacring thousands of innocent Nagas, and leaving thousands of widows and orphans.
He reiterated that NSCN (I-M) should be straightforward on what was its agenda and openly tell people that they don’t want solution. Kitovi asked, if NSCN (I-M) doesn’t want to unite for the Nagas, then whom was it working for?
Kitovi claimed there was a huge difference between NSCN (I-M) and GPRN/NSCN. According to him, NNPG solution for entire Nagas and “unexpected” provisions for Nagas of Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh as well. On the other hand, he said for NSCN (I-M), attainment of solution would only benefit few individuals.
He later stressed that NNPGs remain open to unity for the greater good of Nagas, and reiterated that WC NNPGs’ philosophy was to pursue an inclusive solution benefiting all Nagas.
Earlier, the programme was chaired by special secretary to Collective Leadership, GPPRN/NSCN, Kanato Chophy, and director, Research Wing, GPRN/NSCN, Dr Subonglemba Aier, invocation offered by Chaplain, GHQ, GPRN/NSCN, Meren Lemtur, and welcome address delivered by kilo kilonser, GPRN/NSCN, HukaviYeptho.
Short speeches were also delivered by leaders of WC NNPGs, namely, president, NSCN-R (Akato led), and co-convener, WC NNPG, Akato Chophi, general secretary, NNC (Parents Body), Toshi Walling, ato kilonser, NNC/NPGN, Shitoho Chophi, ato kilonser, NNC/GDRN, George Yangba, and general secretary, UGN/NNC, Nupavi.
Special numbers were also presented by Alovi Ayemi, and LansobeniTungoe, while note of gratitude delivered by chief secretary, GPRN/NSCN, Kideon V Zhimomi, and benediction pronounced by Pastor, CHQ, GPRN/NSCN, Rev ZutoviAwomi.
Courtesy: Nagaland Post
