Dimapur, December 21 (MExN): Q. Tuccu, Kilonser, Forest, Environment and Mineral (FEM) Government of People’s Republic of Nagalim (GPRN) has clarified to the statement made by Sumi Hoho President Hokishe Yepthomi, as reported in The Morung Express published on December 15-16. “Hoping for the things to settle down I have been deliberately keeping distance from all sort of mud - slinging resorted by some Sumi leaders when a group of Sumi break away from Hebron, instigated by some Sumi leaders in the name of Naga Unification which was strongly opposed by me from the very beginning”, stated a press note issued by Q. Tuccu. The GPRN Kilonser pointed out that the statement of Mr. Hokishe Yepthomi “desperately trying to wash the hands of banned Sumi Hoho by shifting the blame on me and Azheto Chophy compels me to issue this statement to unfold the factual sequences”, he clarified.
Stating that after 22nd November 2007 when a group of Sumis led by Azheto left Hebron with arms and other government properties under the cover of darkness to form the so- called unification camp at Hovishe, Niuland in collaboration with Kitovi and Mulatonu, the next day on 23rd November 2007 Mr. Kiyekhu, the then Dy. Defence Kilonser, had invited him to join them at Hovishe, the so-called Unification camp with a proposal of their 3 Points Resolution. According to Q. Tuccu, the three point resolution included “to lift the Tangkhul quit notice; to support the ongoing political dialogue and to unite under the leadership of Isak Chishi Swu, SS Khaplang and Th. Muivah”.
“But as I smelled something sinister behind these proposals I contacted Kitovi Zhimomi General Secretary, K- group, through Mr. Ahoto Sumi, Zunheboto Town Council member asking for his opinion and where he stands”, Q. Tuccu stated while further disclosing that “Kitovi clarified his consent to it for Sumi Unification only followed by other Nagas of Nagaland state through mobilization later on”.
“He further added that this unification is without the Southern Nagas, particularly Tangkhuls. That made his intention crystal clear”, Q. Tuccu stated.
Q. Tuccu further stated that the same evening at 6:20 pm Kitovi called him over the phone repeating the same statement he conveyed through Ahoto ZTC member in the afternoon. “He also suggested/advised me to lead the so-called unification from Hovishe, Niuland on 24th Nov 2007, to which I totally disagreed”, the press note from Q. Tuccu mentioned. However, with repeated assurance received from Kiyekhu, Vitoi and Hevukhu about their 3 Points resolution, Q. Tuccu informed that he along with Vikiye, Qhevihe and Hukavi carried the message to Hebron and raised it in the Joint Council Meeting.
According to Q. Tuccu, the house demanded stern action against the perpetrators as they are nothing more than deserters. However, the Ato Kilonser Th. Muivah disagreed with the house and explained about their 3 point resolutions. He requested the house not to panic but appreciate about their proposal whether it is initiated from back or front door, but it should be official. “The house endorsed Qhevihe Chishi Swu, Vikiye, Samson Aye and me to convey the decision of the house accepting their 3 Points Resolution and also make it official”. The statement from Q. Tuccu informed that the same evening, he, along with Vikiye spoke in the meeting at Hovishe, Niuland chaired by Hokiye Yepthomi, President, banned Western Sumi Hoho. “I was given the privilege to speak first, and I mentioned about Hebron’s willingness to accept their 3 Points Resolution but to make it official. Vikiye spoke on the same after me”, Q. Tuccu stated while disclosing that right after his speech Akato Chophy spoke and flatly refused to accept their own 3 Point Resolution accepted by Hebron.
”While the meeting was still going on, one Capt. Ghoheto of Kiyevi Village asked permission to arrest us from his superior through the phone which was overheard by our security guards”. He said ‘they are not speaking according to our secret plan’. C. Singson also spoke in the same manner. The words they used in English are reproduced here in. ‘you are cheating us’ by Akato Chophy. ‘Why are you backtracking?’ by C. Singson”. Now my question is-what is the meaning of we backtracking and cheating them when we responded in positive manner to their 3 Point Resolution? What is their secret plan?” queried the statement by Q. Tuccu.
Further, the Kilonser pointed out that the meeting at Kuhuboto, chaired by H.S Rotokha on 27th November 2007 is “the focal point of controversy” which needed clarification to the Nagas. “In the meeting I was given the first chance to speak. With the clarification letter of Chairman Isak Chishi Swu issued on 25th November 2007, in my hand and swearing in the name of God I read out the content of the letter which read ‘this is to declare that the unity among the Sumis is essential. However, other tribes cannot be discriminated because of Sumi unity. The unity of the Sumis should contribute towards the unity among all Naga tribes. Let this be known by all Naga and there should be no confusion. There are no differences in the opinion of Chairman and the General Secretary’”.
Q. Tuccu went on to explain that soon after making his stand very clear on his “total agreement with the Chairman’s clarification on Sumi unity and Naga unity”, he left the meeting after taking due permission from the Chairman, as his daughter’s wedding preparation was on. The Kilonser stated that it was later learned through the media about the resolution to excommunicate Sumi National workers who did not join the so called unification. “As this resolution was taken after my departure from the meeting, the question of me appending my signature as stated by Mr. Hokishe Yepthomi does not arise”, Q. Tuccu clarified adding the “such baseless and fabricated statement of Hokishe hold no truth” and that the “issue of excommunication is a case to be resolved between the banned Sumi Hoho and the so called unification group, and not by me or the Sumi National workers”.
The Kilonser reiterated that he had nothing to do with the issue of “unity agreement” and that his “going back to Hebron as made out by Hokishe Yepthomi is all the more ridiculous”. “Because, I have never taken the stand to be a party to such Unification process that discriminate other Naga tribe. Hokishe Yeptomi is further reminded not to track my name into the mess unnecessarily”. Pointing out that ever since he joined National service, he had been working under the leadership of Isak Chishi Swu and Th. Muivah, Q. Tuccu affirmed that he shall remain with them. “For I know that the truth is with them and the truth shall make us free”.
