In a major development, Naga National Political Alliance (NNPA)– a conglomeration of four Naga political group– formally merged with the Working Committee, Naga National Political Groups (WC, NNPGs) led by GPRN/NSCN ato kilonser N. Kitovi Zhimomi. The ceremony officially took place at Hoito Village on Wednesday.
The four groups under NNPA include NSCN-K (Khango-Vusshe), NSCN/GPRN-R (Akato), NPGN/NNC (MK), and UGN/NNC (PB).
NNPGs comprised of five groups– GPRN/NSCN (Kitovi Zhimomi), NPGN/NNC (Shitoho Chophy), NNC/GDRN (Kiumukam), NNC/UNPG Parent Body (Toshi Walling), and NNC-PB (Z Royim/Akiuba).
Speaking to media persons after the programme, N Kitovi Zhimomi stated that the merger was driven by the collective desire to unite for a common political solution. On the steps to be taken ahead following the merger, Kitovi said that there was a readymade Agreed Position, adding that NNPGs would go by that.
Asked whether other groups were welcome to join NNPGs, Kitovi maintained that Naga political issue belonged to every Naga and not confined only to one individual/group. “Even if one Naga is not affiliated to a political party, if they really want solution and want to secure the future of the younger generation, there is no reason why they should not come forward.
It would be unwise for NNPGs to reject such intent,” he stated.
Meanwhile, speaking to this reporter, NSCN/GPRN-R (Akato) president, Akato Chophi, described the merger as “a historic beginning.” Akato said “We have been talking about this for a long time that Nagas should unite.”
Akato said that for too long Naga political groups have focused only on strengthening individual factions, buying weapons, fighting, etc by forgetting the very people that NPGs claim to fight for.
He, therefore, urged all NPGs to set aside differences and unite for greater good. “This is just the beginning. Five groups from NNPGs and four from NNPA. We appeal to everyone to forget past differences and come together for unity and a lasting solution. The Naga people deserve peace, not fighting,” Akato appealed. He added that today’s merger was for the solution of the coming generation.
Akato also affirmed that NNPA no longer exists as a separate entity, adding that all four of its member groups would now operate under WC, NNPGs banner.
He, however, said that NNPA also had its competency, adding that those would be included in the Agreed Position.
Also, speaking with this reporter, WC-NNPGs secretary, and Ceasefire Supervisory Board (CFSB) supervisor, GPRN/NSCN Kehoi designated camp, G. Naga, said that the merger was long in the making, adding that the leadership had been in communication for quite some time.
He stated that the main aim of the merger was for Nagas to get together, create a space, and try to bring home the political solution as early as possible.
G Naga said leaders of NNPA decided to merge with NNPGs and hoped that they would be strong partners. Terming the merger as a huge development, he said it would greatly help in solving the unresolved Naga political issue.
NNPGs, NNPA ‘Deed of Commitment’
Following the merger of NNPA with WC, NNPGs, the leaders of both the groups signed a Deed of Commitment, signalling their intent to work together for an early, honourable, and inclusive political solution to the protracted Indo-Naga issue.
According to the ‘deed of commitment’, the leaders acknowledged the growing calls from Naga public for Naga political groups to converge in one spirit.
Expressing their collective intent to uphold the greater Naga duty and the desire to create spaces for all to forge a common Naga future, the leadership of the Naga National Political Alliance (NNPA) acknowledged the historical significance of the ‘Agreed Position’ signed between the Government of India and the Working Committee of the NNPGs on November 17, 2017.
They signatories affirmed that the ‘Status Paper’ offers “historical, political, and administrative clarity, and fittingly caters to all Nagas living in different states of India and other administrative categories.”
The alliance further expressed full faith in the leadership of the Government of India and WC, NNPGs, in securing an early, honourable, and acceptable Indo-Naga political solution.
Further, the document stated that the WC, NNPGs have agreed in-principle to appeal to the Government of India for the inclusion of additional competencies of the NNPA into the Status Paper to further strengthen the Agreed Position in the interest of both government of India and the Nagas.
In the event Government of India proposes a common draft, inclusive of all core values of different political agreements, the signatories to unconditionally extend their cooperation to such initiatives.
“Henceforth, our respective governments apart, the NNPA will merge with WC, NNPGs, becoming an equal and contributing partner to WC, NNPGs to expedite early solution, under the able convenorship of N. Kitovi Zhimomi, ato kilonser of GPRN/NSCN,” It stated.
The Deed of Commitment was jointly signed by leaders of both WC, NNPGs and NNPA, including.
From WC, NNPGs: N. Kitovi Zhimomi– ato kilonser, GPRN/NSCN & convener, WC, NNPGs; co-convenors– Kiumukam Yimkhiung, president NNC; Toshi Walling, ato kilonser NNC-PB; Shitoho Chophy, ato kilonser NNC/NPGN and Akiuba Yimkhiung, ato kilonser, NNC-PB (Z. Royim). From the NNPA: Akato Chophi, president NSCN (R); Khango Konyak/Hokato Vusshe, president/ato kilonser NSCN (K); Mhathung Tsopoe/Kiyelho Wokhami, president/ato kilonser NPGN/NNC (MK) and Kieutsangkiu/Nupavi Achumi, president/ato kilonser UGN/NNC-PB.