Dimapur, January 22 (MExN): Lieutenant General Kukuyo Veswuh, the Deputy Commander-in-Chief (C-n-C) of the Naga Army, Federal Government of Nagaland (FGN), has described a “Termination Ahza” served to him by Kedahge of the NNC/FGN as an “illegitimate and unilateral decision.”
A press statement issued by General (Retired) TM Rhakho, Kedahge, FGN last week, stated that Lt Gen Veswuh had been served a ‘Termination Ahza’ for violating the Naga Army Rules and Regulations, Chapter 14, Section 4, and that his “rank, awards, and assignments designated by the Government have been revoked.”
In response, Lt Gen Veswuh stated that although it is “not advisable to wash dirty linen in public,” he felt compelled to take drastic steps as the Kedahge’s decision was “illegitimate and unilateral.” He further claimed that the ‘allegations and false charges’ levelled against him, without any valid reason, had trampled on his dignity and tarnished his reputation.
The Deputy C-n-C also emphasized that he joined the Naga National Service in 1996 and had been faithfully carrying out the tasks assigned to him, prioritizing the Naga goals and ideals. He described himself as a loyal Naga soldier who takes pride in serving the great Naga Nation.
Lt Gen Veswuh asserted that there were no valid allegations against him and highlighted several procedural lapses in his case. He claimed there was neither a court of enquiry nor a court martial, nor any indication of a court martial. According to Veswuh, the contested decision was not made in accordance with the procedures laid down in the Naga Army Rules and Regulations but was based on a “dictatorial decision” by the Kedahge without legal grounds, flouting all known norms and procedures. He maintained that the allegations against him were false.
The Deputy C-n-C also stated that the FGN under Gen Retd Rhakho is “no longer fit to be called a government but can only be considered a group with just a handful of people” that exists in name only. He further asserted that there were no Kilonsers or Midan Peyu (Regional Representatives) nor any committee to formulate government policies.
In the military, he noted, there were no Naga Army officers of high rank, nor any Council or Committee to advise or resolve defense matters.
Lt Gen Veswuh concluded by “suggesting” that Gen. Retd. Rhakho “retire after dissolving the group,” rather than “clinging to a high position with only a handful of supporters.”
