DIMAPUR, JUL 16 (NPN): Rev. A. Puni Mao, a senior NSCN (I-M) functionary, has publicly apologised to Kohima Village after admitting that he had wrongfully levelled an allegation against it without proper deliberation or proof, according to Kohima Village Council (KVC).
Issuing a clarification, KVC described the allegation made by Rev. Puni as “false and baseless” and “conceived with malicious intent”, stating that the clarification was necessary in view of the seriousness of the allegation so that the factual narrative was known to the Naga people. KVC alleged that during a meeting held at Hotel Bliss, Chümoukedima, on June 25, Rev. A. Puni Mao had alleged that Kohima Village had supplied 30 AK-47 rifles to Kuki militants to fight the Nagas in Manipur.
KVC said the “hasty derogatory remark was purely baseless and without authenticity or evidence”, and alleged that it was intended to sow a divisive attitude through false propaganda to malign and tarnish the image of Kohima Village for personal benefit and to earn superiority within his circle of acquaintance. The council said Rev. Puni was subsequently called to a meeting at KVC Hall on July 7 with KVC members, village elders and frontal organisations to substantiate his allegation.
KVC said Rev. Puni attended the meeting on July 9, where he voluntarily admitted his mistake and sought pardon, stating that he had wrongfully levelled the allegation against Kohima Village without proper deliberation or proof.
KVC said he publicly apologised to Kohima Village and that the matter was amicably settled for this time.
Saturday, July 18, 2026