DIMAPUR, OCTOBER 28 (MExN): The GPRN/NSCN (U) led by Gen. (Retd) MB Neokpao Konyak and Ato Kilonser Alezo Venuh has condemned what it referred to as “false propaganda” spread by N. Kitovi Zhimomi, who, according to them, had falsely claimed the support of senior ranks within the Naga Army. In a press release issued by the MIP of the GPRN/NSCN (U), it was asserted that two Majors General, a brigadier, and a colonel could not have joined Kitovi, as these officers had retired from active Naga Army service since 2019 and 2021, respectively. The statement claimed, “Only those whose identification cards have been cancelled are with him. All other senior ranks in political and military service are with the GPRN/NSCN (U).”
The press release continued, stating that a purported statement of allegiance from 190 Naga Army personnel was “fabricated to create an illusion to the Naga public to send a wrong message to the government of India.” GPRN/NSCN (U) further criticized Kitovi, stating, “The purported claim by N. Kitovi blaming Gen. Samson Aye and Maj. Gen. Hotoi Aye was unethical,” adding that the President had exercised his authority under the Yezabo to order an emergency National Assembly on April 21, 2024. At this assembly, “the house unanimously impeached/expelled Ino. N.Kitovi from GPRN/NSCN (U).”
The GPRN/NSCN (U) described Kitovi’s statement as an attempt to “save face in the wake of failed attempt” to gain recognition for his new group, asserting that Kitovi could not secure a ceasefire or revalidate the cancelled IDs. The release stated, “The statement projected to have been issued by ranks and file in the name of GPRN/NSCN (U) is a goof up of the entire situation and throw dust in the eyes of the cadres who innocently rallied behind him.” It added, “If at all N. Kitovi was a ‘tall leader’ he would not have been impeached or dismissed from GPRN/NSCN (U).”
Further criticisms in the statement focused on Kitovi’s alleged “misuse of office and power,” referencing “the display of palatial buildings and sophisticated weapons.” According to the GPRN/NSCN (U), Kitovi’s activities in recent months “on the pretext of being the convener of WC, NNPGs” had exposed his intentions. The release stated, “It is now also evident that the fortification he had made in the civilian area was with the objective of running a parallel camp and power center of his own at the behest of GPRN/NSCN (U). There is no one ignorant about what Ino N. Kitovi had been doing.”
Regarding Kitovi’s claims of support, the GPRN/NSCN (U) highlighted inconsistencies, noting that Kitovi had claimed the support of “top-ranking Naga Army officers along with 190 personnel without names and ranks on October 25, 2024, in addition to the induction of 170 cadres on 29th September 2024.” However, the GPRN/NSCN (U) asserted that “photographic evidence” revealed only “barely 70 odd uniformed men flocking around N. Kitovi,” which it described as a “discrepancy.” The press release added, “As the GOI had cancelled their IDs, any usage of rank and status of the GPRN/NSCN (U) would be in gross violation of existing structure.”
The statement urged him “to immediately stop meddling with the affairs of the National Government.” It added that failure to comply would result in the GPRN/NSCN (U) exposing “his misgovernance and corruption with material evidence, which will have serious repercussion.”
