DIMAPUR, JAN 21 (MExN): NSCN (I-M) Education Kilonser, Tongmeth Wangnao, in a clarification issued today, categorically replied to the rejoinder issued by NSCN (K) Deputy Kilonser, Y Wangtin Naga. Apologising to readers of his article which appeared on January 19 last if he had “written anything hard for them (readers) to digest,” Tongmeth said, “Actually, my intention was to make everyone understand the reality of the importance of feelings and affection of one another. I did not speak or write the article on someone’s behalf.” He said he was rather attempting to let “other tribe or tribes feel that my tribe and community is not enemy to them.”
Tongmeth said that in “connection with the two boys who were unfortunately killed in Kohima, I only wrote, ‘allegedly belong to’ or in other words, ‘accusing them of’ by someone.”
He said he had never given confirmation or approval that the two youth belonged to the NSCN (K). Tongmeth said that since he was not English, he might have wrongly represented the notion or if not, “the readers may have wrongly misinterpreted my English.”
“I left my colleges and service to join the National service not for high rank and file or status but to serve my nation in the best of level I could. I joined in then united NSCN, have been working for it and I shall be working for the same.”
Wangtin said he had earlier been offered the post General Secretary which he outrightly rejected. “I was also offered with the post of Chaplee Kilonser despite my reluctance.”
As far as life and death is concerned, Tongmeth said, “I don’t have any authority as Mr Wangtin has.” He said he was only representing his people and community in the Indo-Naga political talks as a member only. “Besides, if I were to be a slave, I am and will be the slave of none but my nation alone.”
Saying that he and his people are not apart from one another, he concluded, “I represent the people, and all the righteous like-minded people are after me, since the issue is purely national politics. And not between two tribes or individuals.”
