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DIMAPUR — The GPRN/NSCN (Unification) held its annual national assembly on Tuesday at 5th Mile, Chümoukedima, adopting resolutions that rejected the impeachment of N Kitovi Zhimomi.
The assembly, comprised of advisors to the collective leadership, the NPAC, the Council of Kilonsers, Naga Army top brass, all rank and file members, Union Territory and Secretariat staff, and regional authorities, unanimously denounced the April 21 resolution that “unconstitutionally” impeached Zhimomi.
“Therefore, the house fully reject the April 21, 2024 resolution on this day, May 28, 2024, and declare it null and void and stand firm on the Oct. 31, 2022 resolution wherein N Kitovi Zhimomi, Ato Kilonser was unanimously elected for another tenure (6 years) up to Oct. 31, 2028”, read the resolution.
The assembly also reaffirmed its full support for the collective leadership of Maj. (Retd.) RM Lotha, president, GPRN/NSCN; Chennyem Konyak, vice president, GPRN/NSCN; N Kitovi Zhimomi, Ato Kilonser, and Jungshiwati Ao, deputy Ato Kilonser, to lead the government in bringing “an honourable, acceptable, and enduring solution to the vexed Indo-Naga political problem.”
The assembly also appointed Brig. Kiyehe Yeptho as Commander-in-Chief (C-in-C) of the Naga Army and Brig. Yekuto Zhimo as Deputy C-in-C of Naga Army.
Addressing the assembly, Zhimomi spoke about his 38 years of service in the Naga national movement, stating that his journey has been marked by both commendable and regrettable actions. However, among the challenges faced, the most painful period was when tensions arose within the Naga community, causing friction among brothers, he said.
Zhimomi also observed that there are three categories of individuals within the Naga movement-- those who joined with full commitment and sacrifice for the sake of the Naga people, those who joined as a last resort due to lack of government jobs, career opportunities, or to escape legal consequences for past actions, and those who joined because their parents or elders were part of the movement.
Among others, he reflected on the pivotal events of 1962 when a political arrangement was forged between India and the Naga people, resulting in the signing of the 16-point agreement. Had this agreement not been signed, and Nagaland remained a district under Assam, his current standing in life might not have been possible, he maintained.
Stating that the 16-point agreement was responsible for the progress in education and development seen in Nagaland today, he criticised the increasing ‘educated unemployment’ in the state and highlighted the potential for it to lead to a negative future, turning ‘Nagaland for Christ’ will turn into ‘Nagaland for curse.’
He went on to stress the need for a new political arrangement, bigger and better than the 16-point agreement, which would better accommodate the younger generation and attract businesses to Nagaland.
Furthermore, he stated that Nagaland must advance and progress, and when the Indian government is coming forward, even Naga people must grab the opportunity and capitalise on the ‘Act East Policy.’
However, if Nagaland does not have a peaceful environment, nothing will move forward.
While interacting with journalists after the event, Zhimomi addressed the allegations of corruption levelled against him, claiming that they are false. Stating that he will provide evidence to support his claims, he explained that the impeachment was orchestrated by a vested interest group seeking to cover up their own corruption.
Replying to a query on whether the division was the ploy of Government of India, he said true Naga patriots should not be hypnotised by the ploy of the adversaries. “We have no reason to implicate Government of India. This was by our own cadres just to cover up their corruption”, he maintained.
Regarding the Khehoi unification camp, Zhimomi maintained that he established it and stated his intention to return to it, after some ‘renovations.’
On the issue of illegal taxation, he pledged to extend support to the business community and eradicate any illegal activities conducted under the guise of the Naga political movement.