Declares 'unilateral ceasefire 'with the Government of India
Morung Express News
Dimapur | November 19
In a major political development amongst the Naga National Political Groups (NNPGs), the NSCN (Reformation) has split into two different groups.
Former Vice President of the undivided NSCN (R), Akato Chophi, was unanimously elected as the President of the new NSCN (R) group at an emergency meeting of leaders and cadres of the NSCN (R) from various regions held at Hoito Village on Friday.
Later, addressing a press conference, spokesperson and newly appointed Kilo Kilonser of the new group, Nokrang Lanu Aier, said the cause of the split was “not about power or any other reason but sticking to the NNPGs and Naga cause.”
Admitting that it was “not a proper time to split”, the spokesperson however said the split was inevitable as the NSCN (R)’s “Ark” had become too small. Aier said in order to accommodate more leaders and cadres for the Naga cause, the meeting unanimously elected Chophi as the President to lead the new NSCN (R) group.
The group’s MIP Kilonser, AV Chophi, also clarified that the split was not because of leadership issue but remaining true and loyal to the Constitution of the then undivided NSCN of the 1980s. The MIP Kilonser said the need for change of leadership had come about as some leaders of the undivided NSCN (R) had not acted according to the Constitution, be it in decision making or making appointments.
During the meeting, the leaders and cadres from different Naga tribes and regions agreed that Akato Chophi was a capable leader who could lead them at the present juncture, he added.
The two Kilonsers further informed that the new NCSN (R) group has announced a “unilateral ceasefire” with the Government of India. The Kilonsers added that as for the present, there would be no change of nomenclature and the new group would go by the NSCN (R) name.
Earlier in the meeting with NSCN (R) senior leaders and cadres, the newly elected president, Akato Chophi, also dwelled at length on the reasons leading to the inevitable split.
Wangtin led NSCN (R) expresses regret, expels Akato for ‘anti-party activities’
Meanwhile, NSCN (R) President, Y Wangtin Naga and Ato Kilonser, P Tikhak issued a press statement expressing regret at the development and expelled Akato Chophi.
“In spite of all our efforts to prevent unwanted situation, our Vice-President Akato Chophi chose to stray from the NSCN/GPRN Reformation. He is therefore expelled from the active national service with immediate effect for his anti-party activities,” the press release stated.
It meanwhile extended gratitude to NNPGs Working Committee Convener, Kitovi Zhimomi; Co-Convenors, Zophra Vero and Isak Sumi; and all other members of the Working Committee for “taking out their precious time and putting all efforts to douse the crisis.” It further thanked the Naga people for their “constant prayer support in these trying times.”
