I have the greatest hope and belief that Nagas, irrespective of tribe or region, must unite physically and emotionally. The efforts of prominent individuals and groups involved in the covenant of common hope are praiseworthy. However, the recent statement issued by one Lieutenant Hukato Yeptho of IM cannot go uncommented as it reflects IM’s attitude towards reconciliation and unity among the Nagas. I am compelled to question IM as to why the name Lieutenant Hukato Yeptho is invented. Is there greater satisfaction for IM authorities reading fictitious Sumi junior officer Spitting venom at Sumi leaders in the GPRN/NSCN? Why is IM allowing a mere lieutenant to become its hate speech writer? I, as a military man who sacrificed my best years in the then IM, is greatly disturbed by the policy of IM using non-existent Sumis to implicate GPRN/NSCN collective leadership. I am compelled to issue this statement because the rank and name Lieutenant Hukato Yeptho does not exist in the IM military set up. Undoubtedly, it may be some so-called leader who drafts the hate-filled article all night and inserts a fictitious Sumi Lieutenant’s name as the author. The destructive mentality, the communal feelings, the vengeance and hatred frequently deployed by IM through bogus writer is best avoided because it is counter productive. Naga people now know the truth.
During my service in the then IM Military wing, I was in AC Bn. in 1992, ZB Bn. in 1993, from 1996-97 till 2004, I served in the Military Promotion Board, which scrutinizes all officers and NCO’s due for promotion. I was the ZB Bn. Commander during 2003-04 and from 2005-2006 I was the GHQ commander. There was never a Sumi officer or an NCO by this name.
The politics of using the Nagas against the Nagas was first introduced by the Indian Govt. through its intelligence wings in the early 1950’s. IM group in Nagaland continues the tradition. The statement needs to be observed minutely because behind the facade of Lieutenant Hukato Yeptho stands individuals full of hatred desperately trying to undermine the regeneration of the Naga Political struggle under GPRN/NSCN. The basest, vilest and most foul language against top leaders in the GPRN/NSCN set up, at this point, is unfortunate and it reflects lack of courage to accept the truth.
The illegal use of Sumi name by IM has seriously tarnished the image of Sumi National workers and well as general Sumi public. I appeal to Sumi Hoho and and Sumi Totimi Hoho (STH) to verify the existence of this so-called Lieutenant Hukato Yeptho because a section of the leadership at Hebron camp has a vendetta against the Sumi people and Lieutenant Hukato Yeptho is their instrument. Blackmailing and backstabbing the Nagas under the shadow of Naga political struggle must end.
Brig. Samson Aye,
2nd Brigade,
Naga Army
