NSCN/GPRN (Khango) issues statement on alleged death threat; accuses AYO of interfering in its affairs

DIMAPUR — The NSCN/GPRN (Khango) has issued a statement addressing recent developments involving the proprietor of KKB Rulho and the Angami Youth Organisation (AYO).

According to the statement issued by the group’s National Security Council (NSC), KKB Rülho had made initial contributions of INR 5 lakh for five projects being undertaken in Nagaland, “after which all communication from KKB ceased”.

It claimed that numerous attempts were made to resolve this matter, but when the proprietor finally responded, “he not only questioned the integrity of the NSCN/GPRN (K)  but also provocatively challenged the government to take any action it deemed necessary against his non-cooperation”.

In response, “NSC member from the NSCN/GPRN warned Rulho that such provocations could lead to capital punishment under NSCN Yezhabo, the governing code of conduct. The member, National Security Council (NSC), emphasised that no individual, regardless of their position, has the right to make such inflammatory statements against NSCN/GPRN,” read the statement.

The group went on to state that the AYO is “interfering” in its affairs “without any substantive understanding or assertion of the facts regarding the relationship between NSCN/GPRN and the Contractor”.

“The government has already cautioned Rulho against his individual provocations and stands by its statements regarding this matter,” it said, adding that “any individual challenging the integrity of the government or attempting to take the law into their own hands against the government will face appropriate actions as deemed fit under Yezhabo”.

Additionally, while acknowledging the resolution of non-cooperation from AYO, it questioned the basis on which a youth organisation, “without a thorough understanding of the issues at hand, can interfere in governmental affairs” and “challenge the government, particularly based on the provocations of a single individual”.

Further, it raised concerns about the AYO’s purported claims of possessing automatic weapons, questioning if the weapons are “meant for protecting Naga rights against the alien oppressor of armed forces or if they are intended to wage war against Naga Army that are fighting for the rights of the Naga people with the Government of India”.

Viewing it as a “direct challenge to our government and an attempt to escalate tensions”, the NSCN/GPRN went on to caution that “any casualties among members of the AYO, who are reportedly in possession of automatic weapons, will be regarded as resulting from armed conflict between the NSCN, government and AYO, this incident should not be misconstrued as isolated assassination attempts”.

Further, the NSCN/GPRN asserted that the statement is meant to clarify its position and underscore the importance of upholding the Yezhabo and respecting the government’s authority.

It further directed that “all contractors under the purview of AYO must immediately cease and demobilise their manpower and machinery currently deployed across other districts in Nagaland” until the dispute with KBB Rulho is resolved.

“These actions are in response to the declaration of non-cooperation by AYO in the media, and the NSCN urges all relevant parties to adhere to these instructions to avoid further conflict and ensure the safety and order in the region,” it added.

Also read: In solidarity with AYO: Orgs. condemn death threat to contractor