In a major development, the military wing of GPRN/NSCN had reportedly taken control of the Khehoi Camp on Saturday.
Though there has been conflicting reports, highly placed sources informed that the takeover occurred without a single bullet being fired, as the military personnel assumed control while key leaders of the Alezo Venuh-led GPRN/NSCN including its army chief Samson Aye were away from the camp for meeting.
While some reports suggested that the move was orchestrated by supporters of N. Kitovi Zhimomi, who was “impeached” as ato kilonser in April 2024, sources indicated that the takeover was facilitated by dissatisfied high-ranking military officials within the camp, taking note of the tussle for leadership within the civil setup.
It may be recalled that following Kitovi’s removal, Alezo Venuh was elected as ato kilonser. It was reported that GPRN/NSCN president ‘gen.’ (Retd) M.B. Neokpao Konyak was inside the camp.
Sources from within Kitovi’s camp reportedly assured that there will be no violence, as their intention was to bring all members both military and civil setup under one umbrella for the common good of all the Nagas.
As tension escalated following the development, security has been beefed up along the area leading to Khehoi camp.
It was also learnt that several civil society organizations had also met the GPRN/NSCN leaders urging both the sides to maintain peace and to refrain from any armed conflict.
Official sources informed that the Cease Fire Monitoring Group was also monitoring the situation.
WSH warns NPGs against indulging in violence
DIMAPUR, MAR 22 (NPN): Western Sümi Hoho (WSH) at its emergency joint meeting held on March 22, 2025 along with its frontals (Western Sümi Kukami Hoho (WSKH), Western Sümi Youth Front (WSYF), Western Sümi Totimi Hoho (WSTH), Western Sümi Sports Association (WSSA) and Western Sümi Students’ Union (WSSU) has warned the Naga Political Groups (NPGs) against indulging in violence.
In a joint statement signed by presidents of WSH, WSKH, WSYF, WSTH, WSSA and WSSU reaffirmed its June 5, 2024 resolution that “any Naga Political Group(s) responsible for initiating conflict or engaging in violence within the jurisdictions of Western Sümi (Niuland, Chumoukedima and Dimapur District) would face severe consequences that will lead to complete noncooperation and blacklisting.”
WSH affirmed that it prioritized peace and stability in its region and was prepared to take strong action to maintain peace, harmony and order.
Refrain from armed conflict: AAGBA
Ato Area GBs’ Association (AAGBA) has issued notice to both the Naga Political Groups (NPGs) to refrain from engaging in gun battle and armed conflicts or any other form of arm related conflicts within the Ato area jurisdiction.
In a notice, AAGBA chairman stated that such actions posed a severe threat to the public safety and would not be tolerated. The association cautioned that the party engaging in the first firing would not be allowed to be stationed within Ato area jurisdiction.
NDPP appeals warring groups to maintain peace
DIMAPUR, MAR 22 (NPN): Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP) has expressed concern over the recent developments within NSCN (Unification) and appealed to both the groups—one led by N. Kitovi Zhimomi and the other group led by Alezo Venuh—to ensure that “no violence erupts that will affect the hard earned peace”, which had been achieved over the last few years through the efforts of all stakeholders and the “Naga national political parties.”
NDPP through its media and communication committee asserted that at a time when the people of the state were looking forward to the much-awaited final settlement of the “Indo-Naga” political issue, “any unwarranted violence” could affect the final outcome of the talks.
The ruling NDPP said that the Naga people stood with the “Naga national political parties” in their endeavour to achieve common goal of finding a permanent settlement.
Therefore, NDPP said it was imperative that everyone exercise the maximum restraint lest the hard-earned work was derailed.
The party said that violence had “no place in our pursuit of peace”, adding that dialogue and deliberations were the way forward. NDPP has, therefore, appealed to both the groups to maintain peace and put aside their differences and come together in the greater interest of the bigger goal Nagas were trying to achieve.
NDPP said its rank and file join in prayer across the State for peace and fraternity, and further appealed to all sections of Naga society to continue to pray for lasting peace in the state.