Working Committee, Naga National Political Groups (WC/NNPGs) co-conveners, and signatories of the Agreed Position have unequivocally rejected and refuted the recent statement made by the newly-established Working Committee, and the allegations regarding the removal of N Kitovi Zhimomi as WC convener, terming it baseless.
In a statement, WC/NNPGs clarified that no such agreement or approval had been reached in any meeting. During the meeting, WC said it was observed that in the absence of Kitovi, several co-conveners were cautioned about potential legal action by some members of the Khehoi camp.
This warning was directed at those who expressed support for Zhimomi as the convener, it said. According to the committee, such actions were considered unprofessional and unethical, particularly given the responsibilities associated with leadership within the Khehoi camp.
WC stated that one noteworthy incident in the context of the NNPG involved the issuance of a show-cause notice to its co-conveners Toshi Walling and Kiumukam, both of whom were signatories to the Agreed Position.
The committee pointed out that this action was taken by leaders who were neither a part, nor signatories to the Agreed Position, which reflected a lack of maturity in their approach.
Affirming that it firmly remained outside the internal impeachment processes of leaders in their respective parties or groups, the committee emphasised that these internal matters were exclusively their own and did not compromise its integrity.
WC recalled that NSCN (K) ato kilonser Isak Sumi successfully navigated impeachment challenges from his party members on two separate occasions. To uphold the commitment of the WC, he was allowed to continue his active participation in its proceedings.
According to WC, this same standard of support was applied to Zhimomi as well. The committee maintained that the issue of his impeachment was a matter that pertained to internal organisational dynamics. Hence, his position as convener remained unaffected.
WC/NNPGs said it recognized the contributions of the visionary leaders who were instrumental in the establishment of the NNPGs. The successful signing of the Agreed Position with the central government signified the completion of the committee’s objectives. As such, there were no further negotiations to be undertaken at this time with the central government.
WC asserted that the individuals who were signatories to the Agreed Position were alive and bore the responsibility of upholding the historic agreement, adding that it was important to clarify that this obligation should not be misconstrued as a hereditary duty.
The committee also expressed profound concern regarding the recent actions taken by certain individuals who, without the knowledge or consent of the signatories to the Agreed Position, appointed a convener and working convener.
Mentioning that the decision to appoint MB Neokpao Konyak as convener of the new Working Committee for a three-year term, driven by vested interests, suggested an intention to prolong the solution process, the WC said this was particularly disheartening considering the urgent desire of the Naga people for a timely solution. The committee advised those with self-serving ambitions to refrain from exploiting the positive reputation of the WC, NNPGS for personal gain.
The statement explained that the communication aimed to address the concerns of individuals who might seek to disrupt the strong bond and relationship that the WC had diligently preserved over the years, reiterating that WC remained committed to fostering a constructive and collaborative environment.