The NSCN (IM) Lotha Region has been constantly provoking the GPRN/NSCN by arresting several civil and military workers in Lotha Region on flimsy reasons, not to mention innocent locals who are picked up, harassed and fined on petty charges. This is neither the best way to serve the Naga Nation nor the noblest way of replenishing empty wallets! It is time for few conscious driven senior Lotha workers in the IM setup as well as the Lotha Civil Society leaders, who believe in the Naga Reconciliation Process to voice against few gun totting elements of IM adding to the rot in moral and ethical values especially in Lotha Region. There is some degree of tolerance in all other Naga areas except in Lotha Region. Apparently, it has become a lucrative business for few middle ranking civil and military workers pocketing hefty amount as fine upon release. Under such compelling situation, the GPRN/NSCN has decided that henceforth, if any of our members are captured or abducted, we will retaliate in an equal manner for which the NSCN (IM) Lotha Region will be held totally responsible and answerable for going offensive in the first place.
If the general Naga and Lotha public may care to refresh their recent memories, the NSCN (IM) has been harping on peace and reconciliation under the banner of the Forum for Naga Reconciliation. But on the ground, the NSCN (IM) Lotha region has been brazenly indulging in kidnappings and abductions of our cadres as well as the innocent public. Over 6 of our cadres and 2 of our Central Secretariat Members have been abducted recently and lodged at their Thungbo Brigade HQ near Totsu area for more than 10 days. Even after intervention by the Kyong Hoho, they were made to pay huge amounts for their release. A day-light robbery! Loud proclamations saying Wokha district is IM’s ‘dominated area’ hurts the sentiments of the Lotha People in general. Wokha belongs to Lotha people and any Lotha irrespective of party affiliation is acknowledged.
This statement is issued so that further provocation may stop and future confrontation avoided. The circumstances being such, the GPRN/NSCN seeks clarification from the Forum for Naga Reconciliation as to whether the abduction of GPRN/NSCN cadres by the NSCN (IM) is in tune with the concept of reconciliation and cessation of all forms of hostilities under its move for Naga reconciliation. The Forum should reach out to Lotha apex organizations to put an end to such criminal activities by rogue elements in the name of National workers.
The GPRN/NSCN also seeks clarification from the NSCN (IM) Lotha region as to how they could proclaim Wokha district as their ‘dominated area’.
We appeal to the Lotha general public and intellects to ponder upon the following points:
Has the NSCN (IM):
- Saved Lotha people from a war against any
enemy?
- Brought in developmental activities for the general welfare of the Lotha People?
Or have the Lothas in general resolved not
to allow:
- Other Naga political groups to enter Wokha district except the NSCN (IM)?
- Any person belonging to the Lotha community to join other Naga political groups except the NSCN (IM)?
The GPRN/NSCN further appeals to the Kyong Hoho to initiate a meeting of all Lotha civil society groups in Dimapur, Kohima, Wokha, and Lotha public leaders and intellects where such issues may be discussed for the greater common good of Lotha People.
Nagas are not fools to be fooled all the time. If the declared commitment to peace and reconciliation by IM is genuine, it should be proven to the Naga people through actions.
Thungkomo Jungio
Tatar and Member, CFSB,
GPRN/NSCN
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