The Working Committee of the Naga National Political Groups (WC/NNPGs) has issued a statement clarifying the leadership transition within the organization following the impeachment of N. Kitovi Zhimomi as ato kilonser of GPRN/NSCN (U) and his subsequent removal as convener of WC/NNPGs.
In a statement, WC/NNPGs media cell said that the NNPGs was brought into being through a “mutual contract” between various Naga political groups to collectively and politically engage with Government of India (GoI) with a clear objective of securing honorable and an enduring political solution to the Indo-Naga political conflict.
It said that in order to observe protocols and decorum of the conglomerate a Working Committee was constituted from among the representatives nominated to the NNPGs by respective Naga political groups.
As such, WC said N. Kitovi Zhimomi, former ato kilonser of GPRN/NSCN (U), was nominated by his president ‘gen.’ (Retd.) M.B. Neokpao to the NNPGs, and inducted as convener of WC/NNPGs.
However, following Kitovi’s impeachment as ato kilonser on April 21, 2024, and subsequent recall from the Working Committee, WC/NNPGs resolved on April 28 and May 28 to keep the convener position in moratorium until a new leader is elected/selected.
WC stated that it was on record that the co-conveners– Toshi Walling, Shitoho Chophy, and Kiumukam had officially signed on all WC resolutions endorsing the removal of Kitovi Zhimomi from the position of convener. “Reasons for their self-contradicting stand therefore is best known to them,” WC stated.
WC/NNPGs emphasized that the convener’s position is not hereditary or pre-eminent but a nominal head, unanimously elected/selected to lead the NNPGs by maintaining unanimity, cohesion and transparency, adding that all the affiliates of NNPGs, equally shares responsibilities and none was lesser or greater than the other.
It further stated that the Agreed Position is not something patented for exclusive individual ownership but an official political document, outlining the roadmap for inclusive Naga political solution.
WC asserted that every Naga have equal stake in the agreement and no individual leader or group must ever make assumption of individual monopoly of the Agree Position on the basis of being a signatory.
While sincerely acknowledging Kitovi’s sacrifices in steering the platform thus far, the WC urged him to demonstrate maturity and to accord bigger priority to the common interest of the Nagas over and above individual differences or personal ambitions.