In a counter move after he was recently ousted as ato kilonser of GPRN/NSCN, N. Kitovi Zhimomi spoke of the recent political developments that led to his impeachment by alleging that the charges against him were “numerous cooked up issues” which he considered unconstitutional, by a group of vested interested people.
The GPRN/NSCN (U) National Hoho convened by Kitovi’s supporters was held at his residence at Model Village, 5th Mile unanimously elected ‘maj.’ (Retd) RM Lotha as the president, Chennyiem Konyak as the vice president, Jungshiwati Ao as the deputy ato kilonser, ‘brig.’ Kiyehe Yeptho as the C-in-C Naga Army and ‘brig.’ Yekuto Zhimo, as deputy C-in-C, Naga Army.
The election was conducted by pro-tem speaker Hukavi Yepthomi during the National Hoho held at the residence of Kitovi Zhimomi on Tuesday.
The Hoho also adopted several resolutions wherein the house unanimously denounced the April 21, 2024 meeting resolution by few vested interest members where N Kitovi Zhimomi was “unconstitutionally impeached” as ato kilonser.
The house declared it null and void, and affirmed the October 31, 2022 decision wherein Kitovi was unanimously elected as ato kilonser for six years upto October 31, 2028.
The house also reaffirmed full support under the dynamic collective leadership of ‘maj.’ (Retd) RM Lotha, Chennyiem Konyak, N Kitovi Zhimomi and Jungshiwati Ao to lead the government in bringing an honourable, acceptable and enduring solution to the vexed Indo-Naga political issue.
Addressing the GPRN/NSCN National Hoho, Kitovi accused the Commander-in-Chief Naga Army Samson and dissenting members for orchestrating his impeachment on April 21, just before the 2024 budget session. He accused Samson of dictatorial leadership and financial misconduct.
Kitovi cited that he was impeached due to his opposition during the 2022-2023 budget session over the government’s allocation of Rs 4. to Rs.5 crore for political missions to Delhi and Rs.2 to Rs.3 crore for civil society functions.
Kitovi said he had questioned these expenditures since there was limited travel during the Covid-19 pandemic and the presence of Interlocutor R.N. Ravi in Nagaland. Kitovi also revealed that 58 “items” were distributed to members, who failed to submit even 15% of collected funds. Kitovi said he threatened to expose these members on social media.
Kitovi also revealed that he convened the 2023 meeting to inform the cabinet that funds had not been spent as intended, but retained by members who confessed to not making the required payments.
He said the cabinet then granted these members ten months to submit the money, threatening property confiscation or jail time for non-compliance.
He accused Samson of expelling high-ranking officials who opposed him, questioning the group’s leadership. He also recounted how in 2021, former chaplee kilonser proposed using funds for members’ children’s educational fees during the pandemic instead of arms purchases. Despite this, he said the army continued to buy arms weekly, with many missing despite the expenses.
Kitovi also cited GPRN/NSCN president Neokpao Konyak’s frustration with the uncooperative army commander. When the 2024 budget session was scheduled for April 24-25, he said this faced challenges from those who received disputed allocations.
He also alleged misuse of funds by members, prompting a 2023 cabinet decision to demand repayment within ten months, with threats of confiscation or jail. He Samson of ousting dissenting officials and noted the continued, unaccounted purchase of arms despite pandemic relief proposals.
Kitovi said he joined the Naga national movement in 1987 after graduating from NEHU and also led unification efforts at Kehoi camp in 2008.
Kitovi categorized Naga national workers into three distinct groups, each with varying motivations and commitments. He said the first group comprises of about 5% of and includes those who “love, work, and stand patriotically for Nagas.” He said these were dedicated to the progress of the younger Naga generation, aiming to bring facilities such as medical, IT, and engineering colleges to Nagaland, reducing the need for youths to seek education and employment outside the state.
He said the second group comprises of 20-30% of national workers further subdivided into two parts. The first are those who joined the movement due to a lack of job opportunities, while the second part were those with a history of illegal activities to escape arrest for crimes such as murder, rape, and robbery. He criticized the latter group for undermining the Naga movement’s aspirations.
According to Kitovi, the largest group, representing 60-70% of members, comprise those involved in the movement by lineage, aiming for progress and considering the future of Nagaland.
Interacting with the media after the meeting, Kitovi Zhimomi confirmed that the government’s nomenclature remains unchanged, asserting that it is the same government with new leadership. He emphasized the commitment to continue seeking a permanent solution, stating, “We will not just leave it as it is. We have to continue.”
He denied all allegations against him, expressing confidence that the truth will prevail and indicating his willingness to disclose documents if necessary. On his role as Convenor of the Working Committee, Naga National Political Groups (WC NNPGs), he questioned the legitimacy of his impeachment, claiming it was orchestrated by vested interests to cover up corruption.
When asked about his headquarters, Zhimomi reiterated that Kehoi camp is his home, which he established as the Kehoi Unification camp. He intends to return and renovate it, stressing he will not use violence.
Regarding allegations of the Indian government’s divide and rule tactics, Zhimomi urged true Naga patriots to resist such influences. He maintained that his impeachment was an internal maneuver to hide corruption. Zhimomi affirmed his stance against illegal taxation, pledging to support the business community and eliminate corrupt practices under the guise of the Naga underground movement.