Dimapur, July 2 (MExN): The National Peoples Government of Nagaland/Naga National Council-Non Accordist (NPGN/NNC-Non Accordist) has rejected the reported appointment of one M. Toshi Ao as the Vice President of the organization. A press release claiming to have been issued by the organization’s Ministry of Information & Publicity (MIP) informed of the appointment, which subsequently appeared on July 1.
The MIP of the NPGN/NNC-NA issued a press release on July 2 stating that an “emergency Cabinet meeting” held on July 1 dismissed the claim as “baseless” and that that no “cabinet” meeting was held on May 28 to make any appointment.
It maintained that the organization, as officially discussed on May 31, 2019, will continue to function under the leadership of Interim President Shobha Lakham and Ato Kilonser Z. Hozhito Chophy and no other group/individual will be allowed to hold meetings without authorization or use its name for personal gain.
It termed the information about the appointment of the VP as propaganda spread by a former member (name withheld), who was once an “Acting President” of the NPGN/NNC. The person was cautioned to not use the nomenclature and continuing to so, it added, the person will be held solely responsible.
As a member of the 6 Naga National Political Groups in talks with the Government of India, the release said that the NPGN/NNC-NA at its emergency meeting on July 1 resolved to uphold the principle of non-violence. It further appealed the “entire Naga Nationals and international well wishers to support and pray for the amicable solution of the protracted Indo-Naga Political issue at the earliest.”
The NPGN/NNC Ao region, in a separate press release issued by its Chairman said that there is no person by the name M Toshiba Ao under the NPGN/NNC Ao Region. It further directed the person, who issued the press release claiming the appointment of the VP, to provide the antecedents of the person purportedly appointed “within five (5) days w.e.f the date of issuing this notice.”
In another press release, one person claiming to be M. Toshi Lemtur termed the news of the purported appointment as “condemnable and baseless.” Stating that the matter has tarnished his image, Lemtur demanded the person, who issued the press release, “to apologize publicly within five days time with effect from date of issuing this notice.” It was added that failing to apologise, the person will be held solely responsible for “misguiding sentiments.”
