Amid growing speculation over a split within the GPRN/NSCN (Unification), ato kilonser Alezo Venuh on Saturday reaffirmed that the group led by president ‘gen.’ (Retd.) MB Neokpao Konyak remains intact and committed to the Naga cause, even as recent developments over the ceasefire extension agreement with the Government of India have given rise to “technical” complexities.
Speaking to media persons at Dimapur Airport upon his return from Delhi, Alezo clarified that the recent ceasefire agreement was signed under the nomenclature “GPRN/NSCN (Neokpao-Kitovi)”, as that is the nomenclature officially recognized by the Government of India. He explained that the term used was merely procedural in nature, in accordance with how the group is recorded in official documents by the government.
Alezo, however, emphasized that the organizational core– comprising the civil, army, secretarial, and regional commands of GPRN/NSCN (U)– remains fully unified under Neokpao’s leadership.
Reiterating the need for unity in Naga political landscape, Alezo noted that the reconciliation process is ongoing, and stressed that any future political solution must belong to the Nagas, not to any one individual or faction.
“Kitovi and ‘gen.’ (Retd) MB Neokpao coming together is not the only solution,” he remarked, asserting the need for broader inclusivity among Naga groups to arrive at a lasting resolution.
When asked about reports that the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) did not formally entertain the Alezo-Neokpao-led delegation during their recent visit to Delhi, Alezo refuted the claims, stating that the group did meet and held discussions with Centre’s representative AK Mishra and other MHA officials.
On the issue of whether the ceasefire was signed as a joint document or separate documents, Alezo clarified that “technically, they are now different,” though the document was still signed under the joint nomenclature “NK” (Neokpao-Kitovi), reflecting, from the government’s perspective, a continued unity.