NSCN (R) reacts to use of its nomenclature

NSCN (R) has strongly reacted to use of its nomenclature “NSCN/GPRN-(R)” while referring to Akato-led NSCN in a section of media “despite repeated appeals”.
NSCN (R) through its kilo affairs secretary stated that Akato Chophy was an expelled member and was “not anymore connected with NSCN/GPRN-(R) in any matter.”
The group said NSCN (R) was formed by Y Wangtin Naga and P Tikhak on May 18, 2015 and Akato joined in the later part of 2017 and had served for three years. However, he was later expelled “for his anti-party activities”, it stated. The group said the nomenclature NSCN (R) was “adopted by the august house after long debate and deliberation in the Tatar Hoho.” It said that the founding members “felt the importance of reforming the deeply fragmented Naga society, Culturally and religiously”.
Therefore, it said the suffix “Reformation” was adopted as a beginning towards the end to reform Naga society. “Thus, the nomenclature NSCN- (R) is not in any way meant for the defectors and corrupts,” secretary said. The group described as “unfortunate” that “tagging Akato Chophy as NSCN/GPRN- (R) is being done purposefully and deliberately with an intention to give legitimacy to an expelled person which is completely unacceptable and is also tantamount to undermine the authority of NSCN- (R).” This was creating confusion among “national workers” and the public besides “encouraging factional enmity by acknowledging an expelled person as NSCN- (R).” It, therefore, urged the responsible media organisations not to tag Akato as NSCN (R) anymore in the interest of peace and to avoid any further misunderstanding/confrontation.