This photograph issued along with the press statement showing Naga Army personnel.
DIMAPUR, OCTOBER 25 (MExN): 190 Naga Army personnel have issued a statement to declare their position for the GPRN/NSCN led by Ato Kilonser N Kitovi Zhimoni and with regard to what they termed as the “coup” on April 21, 2024.
A press release from the MIP of the Kitovi Zhimomi led GPRN/NSCN informed that this declaration has been made as witnessed by 2 Major Generals, 4 Brigadiers, 6 Colonels, 23 Lieut. Colonels, 43 Majors, 41 Captains, 21 2nd Lieutenants, 19 Sgt. Majors, 13 Sergeants, 14 Corporals, and 4 Lance Corporals.
The press release stated that they were called back to the General Headquarters (GHQ) Khehoyi Camp from various commands/units and directed to report on or before April 20, 2024 by the Commander in Chief.
“To our surprise the then Commander-in-Chief, General Samson Aye told us that the Naga Army will take over the Government, and we will not allow the Ato Kilonser to be stationed in the Council Headquarter (CHQ), as he will be impeached,” the statement informed. This, the statement claimed made them “speechless and the idea and motives are only known to Gen. Samson and Maj. Gen. Hotoi alone.”
“We therefore, do hereby declare and clear our position before Naga People and Naga National Workers, to be noted in the History of the Naga People Movement for self-determination, that it was done by the then Gen. Samson and Maj. Gen. Hotoi alone and are responsible and shall be accountable. As we were not told nor we were aware with what motive the Coup was carried out against our Ato Kilonser N. Kitovi Zhimomi,” it declared.
The statement maintained that the Naga Army personnel “respect. N KitoviZhimomi as a tall leader among the Naga National Leaders who sacrificed all his prime age and continuing his loyalty and serving to protect the future of our younger generation.” “Hence, we shall not allow any elements to hijack or misguide our Loyalty toward our leader. N. Kitovi Zhimomi and we are confident that our undisputed leader will never fail us but lead our people to a better future,” it added.
It declared “loyalty and commitment to stand along with him and strengthen the NSCN/GPRN and make committed efforts to enhance and solidify the Agreed Position in working toward an early Naga solution.”
