GPRN/NSCN welcomes ‘cancellation of identification cards’ of Kitovi-led group

Dimapur, October 6 (MExN): The GPRN/NSCN today welcomed what it termed the “cancellation of Identification Cards of N Kitovi Zhimomi groups” and deemed it “one of the strongest measures taken by the Government of India (GoI) in the post-ceasefire period.”

In a press statement issued by the Collective Leadership President, Gen (Retd) MB Neokpao Konyak, and Ato Kilonser Alezo Venuh, the GPRN/NSCN maintained that with this action, the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has “visibly shown the determination to put an end to the mushrooming growth of self-styled armed outfits in the name of the 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 asserted.

According to news reports, the Ceasefire Supervisory Board (CFSB) has cancelled the special identity cards of 15 individuals who defected to the new group led by Kitovi, following his impeachment from GPRN/NSCN on April 21, 2024. The cancellation was reportedly made at the request of the GPRN/NSCN. In addition, the Ghukiye designated camp in Zunheboto district was also “denotified.”

Meanwhile, the GPRN/NSCN also flayed a recent statement by Kitovi, where he reportedly conveyed his approval for the renewal of negotiations between the GoI and NSCN (IM).

“This is a blatant deception of the stand taken by the GPRN/NSCN and the Working Committee of the Naga National Political Groups (WC, NNPGs),” it asserted.

According to the GPRN/NSCN, until his “impeachment and expulsion” on April 21, 2024, Kitovi was “against any further peace talks or negotiations and maintained that all negotiations had ended on October 31.”

‘However, his recent 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 GPRN/NSCN alleged.

In this connection, the GPRN/NSCN asserted that the statement exposed 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 militarized conflict zone,” it added.

According to the GPRN/NSCN, such a situation has resulted in “indirect feeder lines and feelers activating conflicting situations” and creating ideological differences between the Naga National Political Groups to split.

The GPRN/NSCN also stated that the Ceasefire Agreement of 1997 and revised Ground Rules of 2002 is a “standstill agreement,” and the MHA has to be firm on the stand in implementing the ground rules, without any leniency or considerations.

Kitovi was removed from GPRN/NSCN for his “turpitude, nepotism, and highly corrupt practices that brought discontent in all the ranks,” while his coterie is “openly violating” the Ground Rules by “displaying arms in a civilian residential area and organizing recruitment of cadres publicly,” it alleged.

It further reminded that the extraordinary session and the decision taken at the National Tatar Hoho of the GPRN/NSCN on April 21, 2024, were vital for the survival of the people’s government.

Accordingly, the GPRN/NSCN stated that the GoI “now should stand firm on the decisions and settled position with WC, NNPGs that prohibits regrouping.”

It further recalled that on April 28, 2012, the GoI and GPRN/NSCN signed a fresh “ceasefire agreement immediately” after former Chairman late SS Khaplang was impeached by the National Tatar Hoho at an emergency session.

The agreement was signed by Shambu Singh, the then Joint Secretary, MHA, NE Division, and GPRN/NSCN represented by C Singson Kuki, then Supervisor CFMB, GPRN/NSCN, and Lt Gen MB Neokpao Konyak, the then Naga Army Chief.

“It was a national exigency and a very decisive verdict of the Naga National workers. The present ceasefire continues at the strength of the Ceasefire of 2012,” it added.

The GPRN/NSCN also stated that the “Naga Self Determination agenda” was set on January 10, 1929, and the long and arduous winding road of Naga nationalism has brought great hardship and suffering to the common people for generations.

However, it expressed hope that the Naga people will continue to trust, believe in, and bank on the WC, NNPGs, of which the GPRN/NSCN is an important partner, to ink an “honorable and acceptable political solution” with the GoI.