GPRN/NSCN says Kitovi’s impeachment was constitutional

DIMAPUR — The controversy around GPRN/NSCN Unification (NSCN-U) leadership continues with the group led by Neokpao Konyak and Alezo Venuh claiming that “former Ato Kilonser” Kitovi Zhimomi was impeached as per part 3 of the constitution, council and government Article 18.

Addressing a press conference at Khehoi designated camp on Thursday, Kilonser MIP of GPRN/NSCN, Solomon, claimed that Kitovi’s impeachment, which was initiated last month, was not unconstitutional.

It came two days after the other group of GPRN/NSCN rejected the impeachment of Kitovi at its annual national assembly held in Chümoukedima, terming it as “unconstitutionally”.

Highlighting the reason for the impeachment, the kilonser MIP said that there were many, including weak leadership. He claimed that the former Ato Kilonser had misused funds worth INR 2.87 crore, which was meant for relief in connection with incident at Vihokhu where many soldiers were killed, and houses and vehicle burned.

He also alleged that the central government has compensated INR 5.50 crore to Khehoi village in connection with the establishment the group’s designated camp there but Kitovi had taken INR 1.50 crore and gave only the remaining amount the village.

Solomon went on to say that the decision to impeach the former Ato Kilonser was undertaken as per the constitution in the presence of the president, national tatar Hoho speaker, Home Kilonser, HOD, Chief Secretary and all the government bodies at an emergency meeting.

Meanwhile, he expressed dismay over the group being split into several factions since its formation in 2007, terming it as “very unfortunate” for the Nagas, while claiming that it wouldn’t have happened if the leadership was good.

On allegation that NSCN  Commander-in-Chief Samson Aye had attempted coup against the GPRN/NSCN government on two different occasions and the same were supported by Alezo Venuh, Major General Hotoi Aye said it’s “totally baseless allegation”.

He added that impeachment of former Ato Kilonser was not a coup but a government order.

When asked about Kitovi’s allegation that several leaders including the commander-in-chief, who misappropriated the government’s funds meant for procurement of arms and ammunition, had joined hands to impeach him, Hotoi said that the Army was not involved in the “special project” of the government.

The impeachment was to save the government and the GPRN/NSCN; it’s not the initiative of Samson Aye, he added.

Responding to Kitovi’s statement that he would occupy his camp (Khehoi designated camp) soon, C. Singson, a member of collective leadership, termed it as a ‘word of disparate man’.

President of GPRN/NSCN, MB Neokpao Konyak, also said in a statement that it would not allow any disgruntle person or group to claim the Khehoi camp from the constitutionally mandated Naga government.

When asked about the nomenclature, Azheto Chophy, member of collective leadership, said that an impeached person cannot use the nomenclature GPRN/NSCN Unification.

On Kitovi still claiming to be the Convenor of Working Committee, Naga National Political Groups (WC-NNPG), C Singson claimed that the committee had passed a resolution for his removal as the convenor after a lengthy discussion at a meeting held at Isak Sumi’s residence.