As internal rifts within GPRN/NSCN (Unification) deepen, a majority of the leadership insist on peace and reconciliation, though allegations of political manipulation, bribery, and forced occupation suggest that stability within the faction is far from assured.
Close on the heels of a press statement issued by president GPRN/NSCN (U) ‘gen.’ (Retd) M.B. Neokpao Konyak, senior leaders held a press conference at Thahekhu here Tuesday. They accused N. Kitovi Zhimomi of orchestrating the incident under the guise of reconciliation, while allegedly using it as a means to strengthen his political influence.
The top leaders of GPRN/NSCN (U) denied Kitovi’s claim that the Naga Army was responsible for the takeover of Kehoyi Unification Camp. Ato Kilonser Alezo Venuh stated that the incident was an internal act, led by ‘Brig’. Kiyeto and a few army officials, not an organized effort by the Naga Army as Kitovi suggested.
Venuh further alleged that Kitovi’s forces infiltrated the Kehoyi camp disguised as peace negotiators, leading to widespread destruction. He confirmed that houses belonging to senior leaders were demolished, weapons were seized, and the area was destabilized.
Despite the crisis, Venuh reassured that the faction remains under the leadership of president Neokpao Konyak. He also reiterated Konyak’s commitment to reconciliation, though he acknowledged that the recent events had caused significant and potentially irreparable damage.
Venuh reassured that the 2012 ceasefire agreement between the Government of India (GoI) and GPRN/NSCN remains intact. The agreement, signed by GPRN/NSCN (U) president Neokpao Konyak and Member of Collective Leadership (MCL) C. Singson, continues to hold legal and political significance.
He also expressed concerns about the increasing presence of weapons in public spaces, warning that it contradicts the faction’s calls for peace while simultaneously engaging in armed conflict.
A joint council meeting was convened on Tuesday to assess the March 22 incident and review the current situation. Venuh clarified that while a few army personnel and civilians remain stationed at the camp, there is no regional opposition to the leadership of president Neokpao Konyak.
Amid questions about whether holding the press conference outside the camp indicated a retreat, Venuh refuted any claims of vacating the camp. He emphasized that the camp had been officially granted to GPRN/NSCN under Konyak’s leadership, urging peaceful resolutions over forceful interventions.
Meanwhile, deputy chief of the Naga Army, ‘maj. gen. Shamlao Konyak, alleged that president Neokpao Konyak was being held against his will following the takeover.
Recounting the events, Shamlao revealed that armed personnel arrived in a Gypsy and an Innova, storming the camp, holding him at gunpoint, seizing weapons, and destroying structures.
Kilo kilonser Hovito Yepthomi expressed skepticism over Kitovi’s true motives, stating that although the leadership initially welcomed Kitovi’s involvement for unification, the lack of prior communication with the Army chief raised suspicions.
Yepthomi argued that targeted destruction of homes belonging to senior leaders indicated a strategic political move rather than a genuine reconciliation effort.
The joint council-comprising top leaders, kilonsers, department heads, and Naga Army officials-resolved to uphold the ceasefire agreement and continue functioning under the leadership of Neokpao Konyak and Alezo Venuh.
MCL member C. Singson called upon civil society organizations (CSOs) to take a more active role in advocating peace, reconciliation, and a long-term political solution.
Condemning Kitovi’s alleged political manipulation, Singson criticized his tactics as “cheap political games” designed to destabilize the government.
Despite the instability, he reassured that GPRN/NSCN (U) remains committed to its political principles and identity. He urged all faction leaders to act responsibly in light of the fragile political climate.
Deputy chief of Naga army, Aheto Chophi condemned Kitovi’s March 22 actions, accusing him of attempting to bribe high-ranking officials with financial incentives instead of working toward genuine Naga unity.
“Instead of striving for reconciliation, Kitovi has been buying loyalty for his personal gain, betraying the core values of our government,” Chophi alleged. However, he noted that if Kitovi’s faction sincerely seeks unification, GPRN/NSCN (U) remains open to dialogue.
Chophi further revealed that discussions were ongoing regarding potential actions against Kitovi, though he emphasized that leadership respected the appeals of CSOs advocating for peace.
Regarding the presence of personnel within the camp, Chophi stated that four to five officials remain inside, but denied any reports of Naga Army members defecting to Kitovi’s side.
He dismissed Kitovi’s takeover as a false victory, arguing that Kitovi’s forces took advantage of the temporary absence of key officials to stage the occupation. Chophi issued a firm warning, stating that GPRN/NSCN (U) would not remain passive amid political aggression.
“We will not sleep nor wait. We will take whatever measures are necessary,” he declared, signaling that the faction was prepared for retaliatory action if required. However, he reiterated that GPRN/NSCN (U) remains open to engaging in reconciliation talks-provided that Kitovi’s group is sincere in its intentions.
With the ceasefire agreement still in effect but internal trust eroding, the coming days will determine whether the faction can mend its divisions—or if further political turmoil is inevitable.
GPRN/NSCN (U) backs Neokpao
GPRN/NSCN (Unification) through its MIP has informed that the top leaders have expressed support to the collective leadership under president ‘gen.’ (Retd.) M.B. Neokpao Konyak and ato kilonser Alezo Venuh.
MIP disclosed that this was unanimously resolved during an emergency meeting of the joint council on April 1, at the residence of ‘gen.’ Samson Aye, Commander-in-Chief of the Naga Army. Also present were GPRN/NSCN (U) members comprising of MCL, ACL, NPAC, council of kilonsers, tatars, HoDs, Naga Army, and 22 Regions and sub-regions.
MIP said the meeting also endorsed the collective leadership’s mandate to carry forward the Naga peace process until its logical conclusion.