Dimapur, Nov 11 (MExN): The NSCN-IM acknowledged what it stated was the NSCN-K’s C-in-C Kholi Konyak’s ‘confession’ to signing of condemnation of the Shillong Accord.
“Thank God, the truth has surfaced at last” Lt Gen (Retd) VS Atem stated in response to the statement of Gen Kholi ‘confessing’ to signing a condemnation declaration of the Accord, under pressure. “The most shameful chapter in the Naga history is the ignominious Shillong Accord and this very Accord is the root cause and the genesis of present bloodshed among the Nagas. The hitherto united Naga people were vertically split thereafter those who stood by the Shillong Accord and those who condemn it” the former NSCN-IM military chief stated in a response.
According to VS Atem, Kholi as the ‘Marshal Law Administrator, pro-Shillong Accord Naga Army,’ staged a coup on August 30 1978 and declared that “Shillong Accord and Phizo as well should not be condemned nor criticized by anyone.” Then on October 2, 1978, Marshal representatives met with signatories of the Accord at Solow, Lainung village “but what transpired in the meeting, Kholi himself knows best” and it was under him that a national assembly was convened on February 19, 1979 “which is not only totally unconstitutional but also unheard of in Naga history before”. Atem explained that the assembly was ‘dictated’ to nullify and counter-condemn the assembly’s resolutions on 1976 which had “saved” the Nagas by condemning the Accord and Zashie Huire’s “ministry”. The meeting also declared that they would negotiate with the Accord signatories. For this Col. Running and Khasui walked out of the meeting in protest, Atem stated.
Taking these in view, Atem observed Kholi as a person “who cannot withstand pressure.” When he said that he signed the condemnation of the Accord under pressure ‘it is construed logically that he was and is in favor of the Accord, a person who acts against his own conscience and “it is crystal clear that his stupidity is always exploited by wicked people”. Atem stated adding that Kholi is more confused by joining the NNC/FGN which he, ‘through the Marshall law had already killed’. “His own confession is conspicuous by the present collusion of K-group with NNC/FGN against the NSCN” Atem stated adding that it would not be a surprise if Kholi one day “comes out again refuting his own recent statements saying that he was under pressure to do so”.
