NSCN (R) reacts to WC, NNPGs statement

NSCN (Reformation) has sharply reacted to the statement of Working Committee (WC) NNPGs led by convener N Kitovi Zhimomi, which questioned NSCN (R) kilonser Mughato Chophy for filing FIR against the “intrusion group”.
NSCN (R) through its MIP expressed deep “shock and disappointment” that the Kitovi-led WC, NNPGs chose to overlook the gravity of the “armed intrusion” into the private residence of its kilonser Mughato Chophy’s at midnight hours when he and his family were asleep.
MIP said its kilonser resides with his wife and children, adding their safety and security was “paramount in any situation.”
The group said it was Chophy’s duty, as a husband and a father, to take every step necessary to protect his family from harm.
MIP said Mughato Chophy is a national worker, but his wife and children were private citizens, who it maintained were entitled to protection under the law like any other civilians.
NSCN (R) asserted that an armed and forceful intrusion could only have one of two implications “either an assassination attempt or an act of robbery.” It said that both were criminal acts of the highest order, adding that no family regardless of political affiliation, should be subjected to such trauma.
In this context, MIP said Chophy had every right to file FIR with any of the nearest police stations. “FIR is a lawful, non-escalatory, and responsible measure taken in the interest of maintaining peace and preventing further acts of violence. It reflects and restraint, not weakness,” NSCN (R) maintained.
Further, the group said Kitovi-led NNPGs questioning the lodging of FIR as “improper” suggested “retaliation as an appropriate response or worse”.
MIP asked whether NNPGs was condoning the criminal actions of those responsible for the raid under the guise of the Naga political movement. MIP also questioned Kitovi-led WC’s commitment to peace and justice.
MIP slammed WC for choosing to ignore the incident that threatened to disrupt peace process and instead “unjustly” questioning Chophy’s integrity and labelling him as an undercover agent.
Asserting Nagas have witnessed enough conflict and bloodshed, NSCN (R) said “we must not allow ourselves to return to the past.” It urged “political leaderships” to set an example by promoting peace, justice and accountability.
MIP has, therefore, described as “regrettable, biased and contradictory” the statement issued by the Kitovi-led WC. It said that such a response was not expected from seasoned leaders who had long advocated for a peaceful resolution to the Naga political issue.