NSCN (R) alleges ‘assassination’ attempt
The NSCN (Reformation) said it was “aghast at the tyrannical conduct” of its former kilonser Khekato Kinny, who is currently with the NSCN (Khango), in which he had allegedly gheraoed its finance kilonser Mughato Chophy’s residence with around 30 men armed with sophisticated weapons around 11 p.m. on May 23.
In a statement, NSCN (R) said the team led by Khekato Kinny cordoned the periphery of the private residence of Chophy, vandalised the boundary wall and trespassed, creating fear psychosis among the family members of Chophy.
Upon thorough inspection of the CCTV footage available and through the statements of its inmates present at the time of the incident, the group claimed that the direct involvement of Kinny was evidently clear, adding that the modus operandi through which the intruders intimated their action clearly proved to be an assassination attempt on Chophy.
The group said such barbarous display of insanity towards the inmates and security personnel by physically manhandling the sentry guards by the intruders had put the credential of those cadres at stake.
NSCN (R) said such an act of goondaism committed towards a fellow national worker irrespective of party affiliations only showed their lack of sense for upholding the peaceful and tranquil environment, which had been made possible through tireless efforts of several civil society organisations, tribal hohos and churches across Naga homeland.
At this juncture when everyone was yearning for an early solution and lasting peace, the group stated that it was very unbecoming of a leader to engage in criminalisation of Naga political issue.
Pointing out that it was because of such people that today many people had altogether a different opinion on national workers, the group said it also clearly showed that they lacked clarity of the Naga political issue and that they were more of power mongers and money hunters than national workers.
Kinny being a bona fide member of the NSCN (Khango), the NSCN (R) argued that the party high command should be answerable before the Nagas to clarify their stand if they subscribed to such criminalisation of Naga political issue, since the issue was a testament to the blood, tears and sacrifices made by the Naga pioneers with toils from all sections of the society to burn the flame of peace and tranquility in Naga homeland.
Considering the sacred belongingness vis-à-vis the Naga political issue, the group said the heinous criminal conduct by a member of the NSCN (Khango) had only raised doubt about the organisation’s political stand and considering its hierarchical pattern, wherein the top brass should actually be the harbinger and ambassador of promoting peace over the crucial Naga political issue rather than engaging in petty rivalry conflicts.
NSCN (R) stated that NSCN (Khango) should answer if it had allowed such unethical activities happen right under its nose, and whether it would halt such diabolical ventures, or would the leadership remain a mute dummy and continue allowing such criminal activities unabated to hamper the Nagas’ aspiration for peace, creating confusion in every right-thinking Naga.
While assuring that it remained bound by the principles of peace, respect and equality towards every Naga political entity, the NSCN (R) however declared that it would not remain tolerant to the criminal activities committed upon its members by certain individuals due to personal vendetta.
WC urges restraint, seek end to factional violence
The Working Committee of the NNPGs (WC, NNPGs) has seriously viewed the forceful intrusion, physical assaults of cadres, unprovoked firing and attempt on the life of NSCN (R) finance kilonser Mughato Chophy by NSCN (Khango) vice-president Khekato Kinimi around midnight on Saturday.
While the rest of the Nagas, including Naga Political Groups (NPGs), tribal hohos and stakeholders, were sincerely striving to move forward by foregoing the past bitterness, WC, NNPGs in a statement said it was a matter of grave concern that an individual occupying top position in an organisation had to resort to violence and an evil scheme to kill and destroy another compatriot.
Pointing out that criminalisation of Naga struggle by individual leaders and political groups had caused huge erosion of confidence and faith of Naga people, the WC stressed that to resuscitate the sacred struggle, leaders of various political groups must rein in hooligans and hoodlums in their respective set-up rather than encouraging or aiding such elements.
“Least of all inter-factional violence is not the need of the hour, rather bridging gap, promoting understanding and mutual acceptance is the only path to assert the right and identity of the Nagas and to collectively secure the shared vision and future of our people,” the statement emphasised.
WC, NNPGs appealed all NPGs to exercise restraint and maturity in resolving any misunderstanding and make sure that a similar instance of violence and aggression was not repeated in the future.
UVC warns groups against CF violation
Unity Village Council (UVC) has strongly condemned what it described as an “uncivilized act” perpetrated by Khekato Kinny vice president of NSCN/GPRN (Khango), for raiding the residence of NSCN (R) finance kilonser Mughato Chophy, at Unity Village on the night of May 23 around 11 p.m.
In a statement, UVC chairman Hetoka Awomi, secretary I. Abenjang and Hd GB Y. Shihovi Sema said that Khekato Kinny along with around 30 armed cadres, reportedly wielding automatic weapons, broke into the private residence of Mughato Chophy, where security personnel were allegedly overpowered, physically manhandled at gunpoint, and had their weapons and mobile phones forcibly taken. UVC said that the cadres also reportedly fired several rounds, creating panic and a hostile atmosphere in the area.
UVC stated that the incident endangered the lives of innocent residents and created a tense and hostile environment and serious breach of law and order. It also expressed concern over the recurring nature of such armed violence in the area, which, it warned, poses a grave threat to peace and stability within the village.
In this regard, an emergency meeting was held on May 24, during which the council unanimously adopted several resolutions.
The house unanimously resolved that any individual or member of any underground faction found in violation of Ceasefire Ground Rules– specifically those carrying or possessing arms or ammunition within Unity Village– will face stern and immediate action.
If any such violation is committed, UVC said the council will impose a complete social and public boycott and enforce total non-cooperation with the faction to which the person belongs.
It was also resolved that any Unity Village resident found to be involved in such violent or disruptive activities, including use of firearms or acts that disturb public peace, will be expelled from the village without exception. Their land ownership or patta will be revoked/cancelled as per customary laws, it added.
It asserted that these actions by the Council shall be independent of and without prejudice to any penal action that may be initiated by any competent law enforcement authorities under any of the applicable provisions of the law.
The house also resolved to not permit any underground faction to establish designated camps within the jurisdiction of Unity Village.
Further, UVC appealed to all underground factions, individuals and organizations to respect the existing Ceasefire Agreements and Ground Rules and refrain from any actions that endanger public safety or disturb peace in the area.
The Council declared that these resolutions are effective immediately and are binding on all residents and anyone entering the territorial limits of Unity Village.