Dimapur, December 2 (MExN): Lieutenant General Anthony Ningkhan Shimray has taken charge as the “Longvibu” or the Commander-in-Chief of the NSCN (IM)’s Naga Army.
Shimray took charge on December 2 at the NSCN (IM)’s General Head Quarter, about 15 minutes from Hebron – its Council Headquarter.
While taking charge, Lt. Gen. Shimray “pledged to honor Christ, the Naga Flag and the Naga Army Flag with his life”, a press release from the NSCN (IM)’s MIP stated. “The charge was taken in prayer and jubilation at the General Head Quarter,” it added. Lt. Gen. Shimray succeeds Lieut. Gen. (Retd.) Phungthing Shimrang whose term ended on November 28.
The GPRN acknowledged Gen. Phungthing for his “diligent and faithful” service rendered to the Naga nation, the MIP release stated and further informed that the former army chief had been inducted as an Executive Member of the Steering Committee with immediate effect.
Speaking highly of the new army chief, the MIP stated that Lt. Gen Shimray was a “key Naga National functionary” who had the “the prayer aptitude” of the late Isak Chishi Swu, former Chairman of the NSCN.
The MIP further stated that the change of guard had come as “a ray of hope”. “The Naga Army and Naga political nationalists strongly expressed commitment to extend optimum cooperation to his patronage,” it added.
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