• Gen (Retd) MB Neokpao to lead one WC, NNPGs
• Another WC, NNPGs is led by N Kitovi Zhimomi
DIMAPUR, JANUARY 31 (MExN): In the latest chapter of the never-ending cycle of splits within Naga political groups, two groups are now claiming ownership of the Working Committee of the Naga National Political Groups (WC, NNPGs), further deepening the divide within the movement.
A press statement received today from the Media Cell of the WC,NNPGs informed of the appointment of new leadership to strengthen efforts toward achieving an honorable and logical solution to the decades-long Indo-Naga political conflict.
According to the press statement, which bore the letterhead ‘Office of the Working Committee, Naga National Political Groups,’ Gen (Retd) MB Neokpao Konyak, President of GPRN/NSCN (U), has been unanimously chosen to lead the WC,NNPGs as Convener. To support the Convener, the WC,NNPGs have appointed two Working Conveners—Ato Kilonser P Tikhak and Ato Kilonser Col (Retd) Isak Sumi. These leaders will work in close coordination with the Convener and engage with all affiliate groups on matters related to the Indo-Naga issue.
The newly appointed leadership will serve for a period of three years, with responsibilities subject to review. Additionally, Ghukiho T Zhimomi, Cabinet Kilonser, will continue to serve as the Member Secretary of the WC,NNPGs until further notice, the statement further read.
Meanwhile, another press statement, received with a similar letterhead and signed by N Kitovi Zhimomi, Convener of WC, along with Kiumukam, Toshi Walling, and Shitoho Chophy as Co-Conveners, sought to clarify what it called a "vested group" trying to confuse the public with the formation of a new Working Committee, NNPGs.
The group clarified that the WC, NNPGs was originally constituted on December 13, 2016, with the collaboration of six Naga revolutionary groups, the Nagaland Tribes Council (NTC), and the Nagaland GB Federation. It highlighted that N Kitovi Zhimomi, Ato Kilonser of GPRN/NSCN (U), was unanimously appointed as Convener of WC, NNPGs.
The statement also asserted that the mission of the WC had been accomplished with the signing of the Agreed Position on November 17, 2017, which they regard as the only way forward in resolving the long-standing Indo-Naga political conflict. It further stated that since October 31, 2019, the talks have been concluded, awaiting the final agreement between the Government of India and the Nagas.
"If there is any new agenda to be placed before the GoI for fresh negotiation by the new Working Committee led by Neokpao Konyak and some of its members, who were not a part of or signatories to the Agreed Position, the Working Committee that signed the Agreed Position has no objection," the statement read.
“As for the signatories of the Agreed Position, the NNPGs remain intact and fully committed to upholding the Agreed Position in letter and spirit under the leadership of Convener N. Kitovi Zhimomi, who was, who is, and who will be the Convener of WC, NNPGs, until the final agreement is reached between the two entities,” it maintained.
