Dimapur, January 24 (MExN): Hutovi Chishi, Executive Member and former Convener of the NSCN (IM)’s Steering Committee on Sunday clarified that his exit from the Committee was a ‘simple change of guard’ and not as rendered.
He expressed surprise and said that he was disturbed by the allegations on social media and national media regarding his exit. The clarification follows various news reports about Hutovi’s ‘removal’ from the key post in the NSCN (IM) for allegedly airing his views on developments within the outfit during a meeting in Dimapur in the last week of December 2020.
“What was simply a matter of normal change of guard in NSCN’s Steering Committee has been blown out of proportion,” he said and added that it does not reflect his thoughts and emotions in any manner.
Hutovi also alleged that the news item about his ‘unceremonious exit’ from the Steering Committee was the work of “anti-NSCN elements prodded by IB (Intelligence Bureau) to create cracks within the organization.”
He added that the assignment of portfolio and other political designation is allotted in accordance with the discretion of the Collective Leadership and expressed gratitude to the Collective Leadership for entrusting him with the responsibility to serve the organization as Co-convener and Convener of the Steering Committee.
He further asserted that NSCN (IM) has stood the test of time as a cohesive organization, with unflinching commitment from the members and “will remain as a cohesive force in Naga political affairs.” Reiterating his political stand, Hutovi regretted the unfortunate incident adding that it does not reflect his value as an NSCN member.
