Members of Collective Leadership (MCL) and advisers to Collective Leadership (ACL) of the GPRN/NSCN (Unification) countered the allegations levelled by former ato kilonser and general secretary N Kitovi Zhimomi.
Addressing a press conference at Kehoi Designated Camp on Thursday, kilonser Solomon R Yimkhiung described Kitovi’s impeachment as unfortunate but necessary owing to the latter’s misuse of powers and functions, and negligence.
He claimed that the government had time and again tried its best to avoid such situation, and that the president along with other officials had personally visited Kitovi to apprise him of the situation.
Amidst misuse of powers and functions, he said the Tatar Hoho, after receiving authorisation to hold “extraordinary session” by the president, held a meeting on April 21, leading to Kitovi’s impeachment.
He assured that the GPRN/NSCN (U) remained a people’s government that aimed to work for them. Clarifying that the government did not want to humiliate Kitovi and hence did not give statement, Yimkhiung however pointed out that it was forced to call the press conference to clarify on the false allegation made by Kitovi against the government.
In his address, MCL C Singson Kuki highlighted the internal discontent with Kitovi’s leadership, underscoring that a leader without vision risked bringing down the entire government, leading to the impeachment of Kitovi to save the organisation.
He clarified that the government operated under a constitution, but when a leader broke the law and ran the government according to personal whims, it became rudderless.
On his part, member MCL Azheto Chophy described the formation of the GPRN/NSCN (U) as “unification of Nagas”. He recalled that in 2007, members from NSCN (I-M) and NSCN (K) formed the faction at the request of the Naga people and settled at Vihokhu designated camp.
He admitted facing many hurdles, including the departure of several members to form other factions, which he attributed to Kitovi’s actions. He said prominent leaders such as Isak Swu, Wangtin, Tikhak, General Nikki, Akato Chophi, Khango, and Hokato left the Unification camp to create their own groups, and even within the Naga national political groups (NNPGs), leaders like V Nagi and Z Royim split because of Kitovi.
He narrated how the government supported the leadership of Kitovi even when president Khole Konyak left and had joined the NSCN (I-M) due to bad relationship with Kitovi. Chophy further accused Kitovi of financial mismanagement and cited instances where funds meant for the families of deceased soldiers and village development were allegedly misappropriated. He alleged that Kitovi mismanaged approximately Rs 2.87 crore intended for soldiers’ kin, and misappropriated Rs 1.5 crore from a Rs 5.5 crore fund meant for Kehoi village development.
In his brief address, Naga Army’s ‘lt. Gen.’ Aheto Chophy admitted that it was not an easy task for the government to impeach a leader. He alleged that Kitovi did not listen to the words of leaders and the government, asserting that he should be ashamed and be silent since he had now been impeached.
He said that if the government narrated the story of his misgovernance, Kitovi would be ashamed to face Nagas.
Interacting with the media, ACL member Jack Zhimomi said Naga Unification camp Kehoi welcomed all individuals, even including those leaders who had left the group, but emphasised that they should work under the leadership of ato kilonser Alezo Venuh and president Neokpao Konyak.
Meanwhile, when asked regarding convenorship of WC, NNPGs, Singson said that Kitovi was removed from his role as convener of the bloc. He said the decision was made after a lengthy discussion at a meeting held on May 28.
Asked about Kitovi’s statement that he would return to occupy Kehoi, Singson dismissed it as “the word of a desperate man”. When asked about Kitovi’s assertion that his impeachment was unconstitutional, Yimkhiung defended the move, stating that it was made in accordance with the constitution. He cited Part 3, Article 18 of the constitution to support this claim.
On the use of GPRN/NSCN (U) nomenclature, he asserted that since president Neokpao Konyak was with the government and Kitovi had been impeached, the rightful usage of the name remained with them.
Singson suggested that Kitovi, having formed a new government, should adopt a new name, proposing “GPRN/NSCN (Mhathung-Kitovi)”.
Referring to allegations that commander-in-chief Naga Army ‘gen.’ Samson Aye orchestrated a military coup to remove Kitovi, adjutant general ‘maj. Gen.’ Hotoi Aye clarified that there was no military coup, adding that his impeachment took place only after receiving affirmation from the president to hold extraordinary Tatar session.
He said the decision to hold extraordinary Tatar session was authorised by the president, and that over 300 to 400 participants had unanimously agreed to impeach Kitovi on April 21, while also supporting Alezo Venuh’s appointment as the new general secretary and ato kilonser.
Responding to accusations that large sums were spent on arms and ammunition that were not found during inspections, he confirmed that the arms and ammunition were present, but declined to disclose specifics for security reasons.
Naga Army officials present at the press briefing dismissed the allegation that Aye was a contract killer, and instead described him as a charitable individual and one who avoided violence.
Concluding the press briefing, Jack denounced the National Assembly held at Kitovi’s residence on May 28 as unconstitutional and also nullified the election of Kitovi’s newly-appointed officials, including the president, vice-president, deputy kilonser, C-in-C, and deputy C-in-C.