Men with questionable integrity and limited patriotism glorify themselves through misleading write-ups, concocted fairy tales and lofty claim that hold no water. Those extolling S.S Khaplang’s name are the very signatories in the impeachment of S.S Khaplang from the Presidency of GPRN/NSCN on 7th June 2011. This treachery will always stare them in their faces.
The 1988 NSCN constitutional crisis, in fact, began with a swift change in the leadership. However, to shut our eyes to the realities of what happened then can jeopardize us, the facts have to be revealed. Inevitably, what emerged out of the crisis remains a painful chapter in the Naga history. The turmoil and bloodshed of 1988 perhaps would not have had such intensity had it not been for Nikhuyi Sumi alias Niki, a rogue soldier who first pulled the trigger of his service weapon at late Captain Thauthing Tangkhul at Galon village in Eastern Nagaland on 18th April 1988. This was the first spark that set the 1988 crisis aflame. It was Nikhuyi who defied his superior’s order, murdered former comrades and thus turn the tense situation into extremely undesirable gun fight. Naga history is ashamed for this episode.
Today this same man, failing to convince top Naga Army officers to eliminate Wangtin Naga, ran off to Suruhuto Camp after taking part in the impeachment and expulsion of S.S Khaplang on 7th June 2011 and elevation of Gen (Retd) Khole Konyak as GPRN president on 14th June 2011, is responsible for causing physical, mental and psychological unrest in Sumi Region.
For the record, on 4th June 2011, during the top military brass meeting at the office of General Secretary, the then Maj.Gen. Niki proposed the idea to eliminate Wantin Naga but his explanation failed to convince the members in the meeting and so the proposal was treated as rejected. This meeting was attended by Maj. Gen. Samson (Deputy Chief), Brig. Vihoto Chophy GSO-I, Col. Aheto and Niki himself who are all alive. As it emerged, it is now clear that Niki’s policy was either eliminate Wangtin Naga or be with Wangtin Naga, wherever he goes, so that Wangtin does not spill the beans about the conspiracy on the anvil. Mr. Niki knows his shaky ground at Suruhuto Designated Camp and his private soldiers are on a rampage and even innocent public are not spared. Thanks to Niki Sumi, Zunheboto district is once again a conflict zone.
GPRN/NSCN appeals to Nagas not to be confused by fanciful press releases of youngsters who run around shouting Khaplang’s name. The same group proposed, granted standing ovation and applauded Gen. (Retd) Khole Konyak on 14th June when he was unanimously elected and declared as the new chairman of NSCN and President of GPRN! On 7th June 2011. Mr. Kughalu Mulatonu, Mr. Niki on their own volition agreed to nominate Gen. Khole Konyak to replace Mr. S.S.Khaplang as NSCN Chairman.
For S.S Khaplang to rely on wayward youngsters would not be a healthy exercise of political wisdom. They are out to grab power and rank through deceit and treachery. Prior to the impeachment of S.S.Khaplang, in several cabinet meetings Wangtin Naga repeatedly suggested and proposed to remove S.S Khaplang citing the unfeasibility to co-exist. His continuous persistence and assertion that Khaplang must be removed failed to materialise. It was Mr. Wangtin who often said that he would be compelled to part ways with S.S.Khaplang because India considers him as Burmese national. He was of the opinion that as long as S.S.Khaplang remained the chairman of NSCN, GOI would not consider a political dialogue despite the existence of cease-fire. The recipient of “Good Indian Citizen Award” Mr. Wangtin was also the mastermind who fragmented the decades old Gen. Khole-S.SKhaplang relationship and now openly accuses his “God Father”.
Mr. S.S.Khaplang’s sovereignty stand has been surrendered on the eve of military sponsored democratic election in Myanmar as he personally participated and involved in the Burmese election. During the months preceding cease-fire, a three phase-solution was considered upon the dictation of Indian external intelligent wing, (RAW) using Mr. Wangtin and Mr. P. Tikhat, a Garo origin as liaison officers. S.S. Khaplang has given a positive nod to negotiate for a developmental package and according to information, military backed Myanmar Government may consider economic package for S.S Khaplang which indicates that political right has been bartered for economic package.
The GPRN/NSCN under the leadership of Gen.(Retd) Khole Konyak and N. Kitovi Zhimomi is clear that an issue involving the Naga people, their land and their future political existence will not be decided at a snap of a finger. Naga political issue does not belong to a group or an organisation. It requires determination and commitment of the Naga people to look at things objectively with practical eyes. GPRN/NSCN understands that any political solution must have the approval and consent of the Naga people because the final answer lies with the people.
Issued by:
MIP, GPRN/NSCN
