Members of the National Security Council (NSC) of the NSCN/GPRN (Khango), have issued a strongly-worded reaction to the Angami Youth Organisation (AYO) resolution of “non cooperation with NSCN/GPRN(Khango)” over the “death penalty/capital punishment” awarded by NSCN/GPRN (Khango) on a contractor (proprietor of M/s KKB Rülho).
The NSC in a press rejoinder explained that they have shown considerable patience over the past two years while dealing with issues related to K. Rulho, proprietor of M/s KKB Pvt Ltd construction company. It said that despite showing patience,M/s KKB had only contributed Rs. 5 lakh for five projects being undertaken in Nagaland and thereafter all communication from the contractor ceased.
After several attempts to resolve the matter, NSC said when Rulho finally responded, he not only questioned the integrity of NSCN/GPRN(Khangao) but also provocatively challenged the government to take any action it deemed necessary against his non-cooperation. In response, NSC member from the NSCN/GPRN warned Rulho that such provocations could lead to capital punishment under the NSCN yezhabo, the governing code of conduct. They emphasised that no individual, regardless of his or her position, had the right to make such inflammatory statements against the group.
Further, the NSC stated that the actions of Rulho appeared to be supported by AYO, without any substantive understanding or assertion of the facts regarding the relationship between NSCN/GPRN and the contractor. NSC has issued a strong caution to AYO to refrain from interfering in its affairs as the NSCN/GPRN (Khango) government had already cautioned Rulho against his provocations and assertion that he stood by its statements regarding the matter.
NSCN/GPRN also declared that any individual challenging the integrity of the government, or attempting to take the law into their own hands against the government, would face appropriate actions as deemed fit under yezhabo.
Additionally, acknowledging the resolution of non-cooperation from the AYO, NSCN/GPRN (Khango) however questioned the basis on which a youth organisation without a thorough understanding of the issues in hand could interfere in government affairs.
It also asked under what authority the AYO assumed the right to challenge the government, particularly based on the provocations of a single individual such as Rulho.
NSC also said the NSCN/GPRN Government questioned the integrity of AYO officials regarding their claim that they allegedly possessed automatic weapons. NSC said the group demanded to know whether these weapons were meant for protecting Naga rights against the alien oppressor of armed forces or intended to wage war against Naga Army; which is fighting for the rights of the Naga people with the Government of India?
According to NSC, NSCN/GPRN acknowledged AYO’s recent statement claiming possession of automatic weapons. However, NSCN/GPRN asserted that it considered this “a direct challenge to our government, and an attempt to escalate tensions.”
In response, the group issued a “stern caution that any casualties among members of the AYO, who are reportedly in possession of automatic weapons, will be regarded as resulting from armed conflict between the NSCN, government and AYO,” adding that “this incident should not be misconstrued as isolated assassination attempts.”
Through the press release, NSCN/GPRN said it aimed to clarify its stance and emphasise the importance of adhering to yezhabo, and respecting the integrity and functions of the government.
Further, the NSC directed all contractors under the purview of AYO to immediately cease and demobilise their manpower and machineries currently deployed in other districts, adding that the directive would remain in effect until a resolution was reached in the ongoing dispute between M/s KKB Pvt Ltd Construction Company and the NSCN government.
The NSC pointed out that these actions were in response to the declaration of non-cooperation by AYO in the media, while the NSCN urged all relevant parties to adhere to these instructions to avoid further conflict and ensure safety and order in the region.