3 Naga groups form alliance to present united front

DIMAPUR — In a new development, the Naga National Council (Parent Body), led by Z Royim Yimkhiung, joined forces with the Khango Konyak-led NSCN (K)  and Akato Chophy-led NSCN (R) groups on Saturday at Hoito village, Niuland.

Speaking to the media following a collective meeting, Chophy mentioned that the Khango Konyak-led NSCN (K) and Akato Chophy-led NSCN (R)  had previously signed an MoU on April 21, 2023, while the Khango Konyak-led NSCN (K) and Z Royim Yimkhiung-led NNC (Parent Body) also signed an MoU on September 1, 2023, focusing on collaborative military defence and joint political talks with the Indian government.

In Saturday’s meeting, the groups reached an agreement to collaborate starting from 2024 onwards. The three factions will jointly venture with mutual support and cooperation, pledging to stand together in solidarity, even amidst challenges or threats from other factions, Chophy added.

Expressing their intention to engage in collective political talks with the Government of India, he underscored their willingness to welcome any like-minded group willing to join the alliance.

When asked whether they would join the other Naga National Political Groups (NNPG) or participate in the political talks as a separate entity, Chophy clarified that they would engage in the political talks as a separate entity. This decision stems from the understanding that the NNPG do not encompass all the groups.

Further, he stated that, despite being different groups, they share a unified goal and purpose, which is to achieve the Naga political solution; thus, they are committed to aligning themselves with agendas that serve the interests of the Naga people.

Chophy said that the joint venture is all about having each other’s backs, jointly approaching the Government of India for Naga political talks, and that for any issue, whether domestic or foreign, they would collaborate and help each other. He noted that it is critical for the Indian government to listen to the unified voice of the people in their collective stance.

The Khango Konyak-led NSCN (K) ato kilonser Hokato Vusshe and finance kilonser Shellen Konyak, as well as vice president of the NNC (Parent Body), SS Pongkhu, also attended the meeting.