GPRN/NSCN president ‘gen.’ (Retd) M.B. Neokpao, in a statement, has reiterated that the GPRN/NSCN(Unification) under his leadership has consistently endeavoured to achieve reconciliation among Nagas.
However, Neokpao lamented that his erstwhile colleague and ato kilonser, N.Kitovi Zhimomi, should have recognized that “reconciliation cannot be achieved under the barrel of the gun or through dictated terms under duress.”
Neokpao said it was an open book for everyone to see that Kitovi’s “clamor for reconciliation, was insincere and deceptive” and for which “GPRN/NSCN (Unification) will no longer be subjected to his falsehood.” Neokpao also has accused Kitovi of masterminding the armed intrusion inside Khehoyi designated camp on March 21 evening.
It was stated that Kitovi dispatched his deputy, Kiyehe Yeptho, to take control of the Ceasefire Designated Camp (CFDC) at Khehoyi, with the assistance of Neokpao’s GSO-I ‘brig.’ Kiyeto Zhimomi, Neokpao said the incident happened soon after the departure of senior army officers, including Army Chief ‘gen.’Samson Aye, following a week-long commemoration of Naga Republic Day. He said the armed intrusion was executed by taking advantage of the leadership’s absence and thus, intensifying internal political tensions within the faction.
Neokpao slammed Kitovi’s claim of being ignorant of the armed intrusion when it was perpetrated by his own men. Neokpao said it spoke volumes about Kitovi’s “deceitful nature” for which he “can never be trusted.” He also blamed Kitovi’s “double nature of double speaking and treacherous character” for consistently impeding genuine reconciliation efforts among Nagas.
He further asked if Kitovi’s call for reconciliation were sincere and genuine, then what was the necessity for “snatching away the weapons” of his two senior army officers- ‘maj. gen’. Phanlong Konyak and ‘maj. gen.’ Shamlao Konyak who were enroute from GHQ to meet him on March 22 morning?
Further, Neokpao alleged that the “intruders” looted the armory and every valuable from the residence of almost every senior worker. Neokpao disclosed that the incident had left him in a “traumatic condition” and his personnel who fortified his premises exercised utmost restraint as even a spark could have resulted in heavy casualties.
Neokpao questioned Kitovi’s sincerity in seeking reconciliation, when he was subjected to humiliation by being allowed to carry only two weapons while leaving for medical treatment. He however expressed gratitude to WSH and WCPO leaders for preventing armed conflict.
Neokpao condemned Kitovi’s selective reconciliation, that excluded senior personnel like ‘brig.’ Hozheto Zhimomi, who was disarmed and expelled. He asserted that these actions, including the recent disarmament and expulsions, were clear evidence of a coup, not a genuine effort at reconciliation.
Neokpao also slammed Kitovi’s actions, and that deployment of armed personnel and the siege of the Khehoyi camp were unlawful. He also emphasized that Kitovi, who was expelled from GPRN/NSCN (Unification), is no longer a party to the ceasefire.
Neokpao asserted that the camp, under his leadership, is officially recognized under the Ceasefire Agreement with the Indian government, while Kitovi’s actions violate established protocols.