Reacting to the statement issued by NSCN (R) under Wangtin Naga and P. Tikhak, the Akato Chophi-led NSCN (R) maintained that it did not want to involve in cheap gimmicks and stoop low by pointing fingers at esteemed Naga platforms, and thereby avoid amusing scenes in public domain.
In a press note issued by NSCN/GPRN, it said that though armed with proof (including audios/visuals/phone recordings/documents etc), it did not want to “scatter the dirty litters in the public area by picking names”. NSCN/GPRN however said that if it was constantly hit below the belt, it would be constrained to do so. “Any person(s) who wants to check these documents are welcome to do so,” it added.
Questioning Wangtin/Tikhak camp (WTC) over “ludicrous and ridiculous” allegation with a personal vendetta against its president Akato Chophi, NSCN pointed out that its constitution clearly mentioned that a two-third majority could impeach a collective leader. Hence, the claim of impeachment of Akato by 15/16 people at the meeting at Thilixu was “obnoxious and a huge embarrassment” to themselves, it added.
Referring to the claim by the “so called spokesperson” in the media that Akato Chophi had only 15/16 arms, the group asked then why the question of 46 arms cropped up?
It also asked where was its armoury/arsenal and what types of weapons, how many short hands, or AKs or, MQs, M-16, M4s M22s, HKs, LMGs, etc, as claimed. It therefore asked WTC to specify the details, and not level wild accusations “if you consider yourselves as leaders”.
NSCN said that some few weapons (9/10) that were displayed in the media belonged to Tikhak, “who brought it through cross-border exchange from Arunachal, since he was denied TNO (Take Note Of) in Arunachal Area by GoI despite his fervent plea and unconditional begging in every meeting, and who is now taking refuge in Nagaland.”
Regarding the claim that all cadres/members with Akato were his personal bodyguards and secretaries, the group asked then how come the 25 cards (mostly red cards) they attempted to cancel were top-ranked officials supporting Akato. “We suggest that ‘liars should have good memories’ or you will continue to make clowns of yourselves,” it stated.
Terming the WTC claim of armoury/arsenal as ridiculous, since the two designated camps allotted to NSCN (R) had all disintegrated, the group claimed that the camp at Lakpong (Tuensang) had crumbled for non-maintenance and the New Phuktong camp had been shifted to “Wangtin’s private but encroached land (named as Naga Farm) in Tekang area, despite CFSB/CFMG’s office cautioning that since the land was in a DAB (Disturbed Area Belt) with Assam, it could not be made a designated camp and could be evicted at any time.” Hence, it said the ball was now in the court of CFSB/CFMG office for any necessary action.
It said that the CFSB office was also stationed adjacent to Wangtin’s residence, “but unfortunately without even a pen, let alone stationeries or documents.”
NSCN alleged that Wangtin had usurped the land from one top official of NSCN (I-M) and in order to save his encroached land, he was keeping CFSB office there.
Terming the allegation of Rs 7 crore misappropriation as too amusing due to the fact that WTC had taken a loan of Rs 5 lakh before Akato joined NSCN (R) to attend ceasefire meetings at Delhi by mortgaging private residence of former supervisor Newell Achumi, NSCN claimed that the case was settled and the amount refunded with an interest of Rs 12.50 lakh by then vice-president Akato.
“Hence if WTC would bow so low as to take loan of just 5 lacs for some very important Delhi’s meeting, it is never in the league of WTC to uttering such huge amounts of 7 crore, so you are advised not to bite off more than you can chew,” the press release stated.
However, if WTC wanted to stick to its claim, then NSCN demanded to know from which/what sources that amount was acquired.
The group reminded Wangtin that after few days when oath of allegiance for VP to Akato was administered on October 28, 2017, Akato himself gave some of his personal weapons for Wangtin’s security, and so asked him not try to cut the hand that once fed him.
Referring to the threat for action after one week, NSCN asked WTC how many guns, cadres and seasoned fighters did it have and dared WTC to fight any time anywhere.
However, since the Naga public wanted peace, NSCN said it would honour their wish.
“But the WTC continues to bark, because they know very well that the public will not allow any clash,” it stated. Hence, NSCN/GPRN requested NGOs/CSOs, public and competent authorities “to allow some 2/3 hours for a face-off so that there could be a showdown”.