DIMAPUR, JUNE 21 (MExN): Lt Gen (Rtd) Khango Konyak was elected as the Chairman/President of the NSCN (K) on June 20.
A press note from the MIP of the NSCN (K) informed that Lt Gen (Rtd) Khango Konyak has “served the nation for the last 54 years under various capacities.” The new Chairman/President of the NSCN (K), after being elected, recalled “many of his comrades getting slain before him, behind him and besides him by the enemy forces on many countless encounters,” the press note stated.
It added that despite this, Lt Gen (Rtd) Khango Konyak “managed to survive by hair breadth without any harm and therefore praised the almighty for preserving his life to this day. He also expressed that he never imagined to reach this highest position and attributed all his success to God’s providence.”
He further lamented how “many educated and intellectual Naga leaders for selfish, vested interests had led the Nagas astray causing divisions and factions among the Nagas.” He however pledged to carry forward the “unfulfilled task” envisioned by late SS Khaplang.
Lt Gen (Rtd) Khango Konyak assured that he would serve as the NSCN (K) Chairman “solely in the interest of the Naga people and to defend and uphold the sovereign rights, identity, dignity and honour of our people.”
He appealed to the younger generation Nagas in particular and the Nagas in general for “cooperation and support from all the Nagas from every walk of life.” He further reiterated that the “sacrifices of thousands of Nagas for many decades shall never be allowed to go in vain but would steadfastly pursue the just cause and aspiration of the Nagas till his last breath under the banner of NSCN/GPRN with the sacred pledge ‘Nagaland for Christ’.”
The MIP meanwhile noted that the new NSCN (K) Chairman/President “refrained from involving in any of the political crisis of 1988, 2011 and 2015 and with clear conscience.”
Born on July 17, 1943 at Yangkhao village, the new NSCN (K) Chairman/President was christened Bechung Khango, and at the age of 20 and joined the Naga national struggle in the year 1963. After completion of basic military training, he enrolled in the Naga Army.
Lt. Gen (rtd.) Khango went to East Pakistan on Alee (Foreign) Command in the 1966; in 1976 he was promoted to 2nd Lt and commanded 50 cadres to China under the leadership of Isak Chishi Swu and Th. Muivah. They reached China in 1977.
“On both the mission, it was an arduous foot journey that took them several months trekking hills, mountains, crossing dangerous rivers and lakes evading enemy forces, on many occasion, sometimes for several weeks altogether they had to march day and night without food and water,” the MIP stated.
During his long military career from private to Lt General, Khango held many positions both at home and abroad. He also served as commander of various units, battalions, brigades etc, and not only witnessed many crucial battles but “achieved many victories against the enemies and brought laurels to the Naga Army on many occasions,” the MIP press note stated.
In 1989, he also served as the Chairman Konyak region and on April 30, 2011 he was appointed as the Home (Kilo) Kilonser (Minister), GPRN and later elevated to the Vice-Chairman/Vice-President, NSCN/GPRN on May 25, 2011.
