Says the move is not against any one group
Morung Express News
Dimapur | November 22
Three days after there was a split within NSCN (R), the Western Sumi Kukami Hoho (WSKH) has extended support to Akato Chophi’s decision. On November 19, former Vice President of the undivided NSCN (R), Chophi, was unanimously elected as the President of the new NSCN (R) group at an emergency meeting of its leaders and cadres from various regions held at Hoito Village.
Addressing a press conference today at Chopi’s residence at Hoito village, Dimapur, on November 22, the WSKH maintained that its move was in continuation of a resolution made in 2017 when it stood by Chophi’s decision to work with NSCN (R) President, Y Wangtin Naga and Ato Kilonser, P Tikhak as one entity. The WSKH is an assembly of village chiefs of the Western Sumi.
WSKH President, S Vihuto Yeputho told the press conference that in 2017 they had wished Chophi not joining Wangtin Konyak and Tikhak’s NSCN (R) but Chophi decided otherwise. “That time we had supported the decision of Akato and today as well we support his decision,” Yeputho said. The press conference was preceded by a meeting of the WSKH and other Western Sumi organizations at Chophi’s residence.
Yeputho though maintained that the meeting was held not at the behest of Chophi. “Since it is difficult for him to move freely, we have come here. The initiative to have this meeting was taken by us,” he said. According to him, the split would not have any negative impact on the Indo-Naga dialogue.
WSKH Judicial Advisor, Kakuho K Awomi, added that despite the many different groups there will only be one solution, while stating that there is no rule that says there will be only the 7 NPGs. Vice President Vicshe Chishi said that NGOs have no role in the splintering of Naga Political Groups (NPGs). “Still we cannot help but support all of them and give our cooperation. If not, the issue cannot be resolved,” he held.
According to Cultural Secretary Lhovishe Achumi, there is hardly anyone in the NPGs who has not shifted affiliation. He said, “It was not because we have told them to change loyalty. It was done on their own volition.” While the WSKH stands by Chophi, he added, “It does not mean that the other groups are bad. All are working for the Naga national cause.”
On the issue of nomenclature, General Secretary Kawoto X Aye, said, “It is up to them to decide, we have no role there. We are only extending support to his decision.”
Meanwhile, Chophi declined to make any comment on record.
