GPRN/NSCN (U) slams Kitovi’s take on Centre-NSCN (IM) talks

DIMAPUR — Following a news report of its impeached leader N Kitovi Zhimomi ‘welcoming’ the resumption of Indo-Naga talks between Centre and NSCN (IM), the GPRN/NSCN (Unification) has termed the statement deplorable, and accused its former leader of being hand in glove with NSCN (IM) to delay the signing of the settled position.

In a joint statement issued on Sunday, the president of GPRN/NSCN (U) Gen. (Retd.) MB Neokpao Konyak and the Ato Kilonser Alezo Venuh maintained that Kitovi’s statement approving the renewal of negotiations was a blatant deception of the stand taken by the GPRN/NSCN (U) and the Working Committee of Naga National Political Groups. 

“Till 21st April 2024, prior to the impeachment and expulsion from GPRN/NSCN, he was against any further peace talks or negotiations and maintained that all negotiations had ended on 31st October. His statement shows that he was misguiding the Nagas and the NNPGs, and was hand in glove with NSCN IM to delay the signing of the settled position.

“The statement of Mr. N Kitovi exposes the conflict of interests of the armed forces, political system and the intelligence mechanism of India in the Naga peace process. It now becomes clear that the old school of intelligence machinery of India still wants to hold the Northeastern region as a militarised conflict zone. This has led to indirect feeder lines and feelers activating conflicting situations creating ideological differences between the Naga national political groups to create split,” the statement read.

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It welcomed the cancellation of identification cards for members of Kitovi’s group, terming it one of the strongest measures taken by the government of India in the post-ceasefire period.

“The ministry of Home Affairs has visibly shown the determination to put an end to mushrooming growth of self-styled armed outfits in the name of Naga freedom movement and nationalism. This has imposed a total ban on the use of GPRN/NSCN or its emblem and identity in public or anywhere on N Kitovi and his supporters,” it stated.

The group added that the MHA ought to be firm in implementing the ceasefire ground rules without any leniency and considerations.

“N Kitovi Zhimomi was removed from GPRN/NSCN (U) for his turpitude, nepotism, and highly-corrupt practices that brought discontent in all the ranks. His coterie showed their prowess by openly violating the ground rules by organising display of arms in a civilian residential area, besides organising recruitment of cadres publicly. The government of India now should stand firm on the decisions and settled position with WC-NNPGs that prohibits regrouping,” it asserted.

Further, the group expressed hope that Naga people will continue to trust, believe and bank on the WC-NNPGs, of which the GPRN/NSCN (U) is an important partner, to ink an honourable and acceptable political solution with the government of India.