Dimapur, August 21 (MExN): The GPRN/NNC (Apex Body) led by SS Pongkhu Naga has refuted reports of a major defection within the party, terming the claims of leadership change and dissolution of his presidency as “illegitimate, unconstitutional and baseless.”
In a statement issued on Tuesday, Pongkhu clarified that Kitoho H. Zhimomi was “merely a Home Kilonser” and did not hold constitutional authority under the Yehzabo to dismiss or dissolve the supreme leadership.
He further alleged that Kitoho had aligned with individuals considered “irrelevant” to the organisation, and therefore lacked legitimacy to speak or act on behalf of the GPRN/NNC (AB). He maintained that the GPRN/NNC (AB) is functioning smoothly and will continue to do so, while directing all establishments and marketplaces in Kohima, Dimapur, Chümoukedima, and Niuland District not to entertain anyone claiming to represent the group without the knowledge and approval of the General Secretary.
Meanwhile, General Secretary V. Yepthomi asserted that the allegations made by Kitoho—who, he said, had already left the party—against the President and Chief of Army, accusing them of corruption, moral misconduct, and arbitrary actions, were “baseless, fabricated, and meant only to tarnish the image of the government.”
All Regional Councils of the GPRN/NNC (AB) also condemned the move, describing it as “illogical and immature,” while warning that no individual or group would be allowed to misuse the party’s name without the approval of the President.
In a rejoinder, the MIP of GPRN/NNC (AB) further clarified that the “so-called ‘emergency meeting’ and its so-called ‘resolution’” held on August 20 held no legitimacy as it was convened without the knowledge, authority, or mandate of the party. Instead, it accused Francis Kikon and his associates of engaging in “backdoor politics” to mislead the public.
The GPRN/NNC (AB) under the leadership of President Pongkhu and General Secretary Yepthomi remains “intact and fully functional,” it asserted. It also rejected allegations of corruption, moral misconduct, and arbitrary actions, calling them “fabricated and malicious attempts to tarnish the image of the government.”
“There is no such person enrolled in the government’s claims of 37 members. Except for Kitoho and Loketo, all other names linked with Kikon are baseless propaganda intended to mislead the public,” the rejoinder added.
The statement further maintained that true members and patriots of the GPRN/NNC (AB) stand firmly with the President in defending the Naga national cause, adding that “corruption and betrayal of national principles will never be accepted by the Naga people.”
“The Naga people know the difference between genuine leadership earned through decades of sacrifice and opportunistic claims for power,” it stated, adding that any attempt to destabilize the organisation would not succeed.
The statement and rejoinder came in response to an earlier press release issued on August 20, which claimed that the GPRN/NNC (AB) council of Kilonsers, army wings, and secretaries had decided to dissolve the leadership of SS Pongkhu Yimkhiung and merge en masse with the original party, the GPRN/NNC (AB), led by Francis Kikon.
