NSCN (K-YA) expels 3 prominent leaders

Dimapur: The NSCN/GPRN (K-YA) has expelled three of its prominent members namely Nyeiton, Home Kilonser; Maj. Gen. Langnyei, GSO-I, Naga Army; and Khampei Opeiham, Chairman, Konyak Region, with effect from April 12, over their alleged “anti-government activities”.

The decision was taken at its emergency meeting after the NSCN (K-YA) officers led by Maj. Gen. Langnyei Konyak issued a statement on Tuesday not to work under the leadership of the group’s president Yung Aung but instead serve the NSCN/GPRN under the leadership of Commander-in-Chief, Naga Army, Gen. Th. Kumchok and his deputy Lieut. Gen. Thumching, citing mal-administration of the group.

However, Kumchok and Thumching on Wednesday issued a press statement, accusing Langnyei of defaming them by including them in the “conspiracy against the President” and to create division among the members of the group.

Denouncing the meeting held at General Headquarters on April 8, terming it as “illegal and unconstitutional and do not represent the opinion of the Naga army”, they claimed “the whole Naga army is fully intact and will continue to serve the Naga people under the leadership of President Yung Aung and we will stand by whatever decision taken by the government on this issue”.

In its expulsion order, the MIP NSCN/GPRN (K-YA) expressed sadness over its leaders with prominent positions failing to stand by the group’s ethics and principles at the crucial juncture of the Naga struggle.

“They have made their final choice to deliberately challenge the authority of the NSCN/GPRN by organising illegal meetings at GHQ area and spreading wild propaganda, whereby creating huge confusion and mistrust among the national workers,” it said, terming the allegations against Yung Aung as “totally baseless”.

It also accused the expelled trio of going against the party’s principles by involving in Nagaland state election and falling into the “deceptive trap of the Indian intelligence and some pro-India Naga civil societies”.

While claiming that the trio has become easy target due to their “weakness for quick money”, the group alleged the new development was an outcome of India’s divisive policy.

“At this critical moment NSCN/GPRN cannot tolerate National workers with incompatible traits to continue leading the Naga struggle. Though it is a matter of discomfort and shame for the struggle, it is indeed a huge relief for all the genuine and dedicated Naga national workers as NSCN/GPRN has cleansed such members with doubtful characters who do not fit with the new transformation policy,” it stated.

“In this Emergency Meeting, all the Council of Kilonsers, CCMs, Regional authorities and the Naga army Units led by its Commander-in-Chief and Deputy Commander-in-Chief has declared their unanimous loyalty to the leadership of Mr. Yung Aung and to defend the Naga National struggle at all cost,” it added.

While stripping off the authority in the group, the three expelled members were “directed to submit all the government properties currently in their disposal”.