Nagaland
Akato-led group reaffirms ceasefire, claims return to WC-NNPG’s fold
Our Reporter
Dimapur, Dec. 15 (EMN): The Akato Chophi-led NSCN/GPRN on Thursday reiterated its November 19, 2021 affirmation of a unilateral ceasefire agreement with the government of India.
This was informed by A V Chophi, MIP Kilonser, while interacting with the media at Hoito village on Thursday.
It may be mentioned that the Akato Chophi-led NSCN/GPRN broke away from the Wangtin-led NSCN (R) and announced its separation from the Working Committee, Naga National Political Groups (WC-NNPG) in November last year.
When asked about the ceasefire with the government of India, Chophi said, ‘as of now, there is no written agreement but it will be solved very soon as the collective leadership is meeting with the government of India and so far everything is positive’.
Chophi stated that before the split, NSCN (R) was under the ambit of ceasefire; adding that despite being a different entity now, they were still part of WC-NNPG and therefore stood on the ground rules made by the Ministry of Home Affairs.
When asked about the WC-NNPG’s response, Chophi claimed that Akato Chophi had “discussed” with the convenor, N Kitovi Zhimomi, however they had not signed (the agreement) in black and white but ‘it is in process’.
He further claimed that recently, they had come to an agreement with the WC-NNPG and only after ‘confirmation’, the faction was announcing its inclusion in the group (WC-NNPG).
Meanwhile, Home (Kilo) Kilonser of Akato-led NSCN/GPRN, Nokrang Lanu Aier said there were Nagas in Myanmar, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam and Manipur and they were all fighting for the Naga cause. He stated that ‘solution should be before election’.
When asked about the Frontier Nagaland statehood demand, Chophi said ‘even the state government has said it is not its prerogative but the government of India’s; however, whether Nagas from Frontier Nagaland, Myanmar, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam or Manipur, Nagas will be Nagas.
‘How much Nagas will suffer?’ he asked.
Chophi further maintained that they need a solution rather than election, adding that Akato Chophi had also informed in the day’s meeting that ‘no one will involve themselves in the upcoming election’.
