DIMAPUR, May 25 (MExN): The Working Committee, Naga National Political Groups (WC, NNPGs) issued a statement on May 25 condemning a purported life attempt on one member of the NSCN (Reformation) by one senior member of the NSCN-K (Khango-Hokato).
In the incident, which happened around midnight on May 23, a group of armed individuals, allegedly led by Khekato Kinimi, Vice President of the NSCN-K (Khango-Hokato) forcefully entered the residence of the NSCN (Reformation) Finance Kilonser, Mughato Chophy. The armed individuals then allegedly assaulted some of Chophy’s guards, opened fire without provocation, and allegedly made a life bid on Chophy.
Terming the alleged act as unwarranted, the WC, NNPGs said that it happened at a time when the rest of the Nagas, including the Naga Political Groups (NPGs), tribal hohos and stakeholders are sincerely striving to move forward by foregoing the past bitterness. “It is a matter of grave concern that an official ccupying top position in an organisation has to resort to violence and an evil scheme to kill and destroy another compatriot,” it held.
It added that the “criminalisation of the Naga struggle” by individual leaders and political groups has caused huge erosion of confidence among the Naga people. Inorder to resuscitate the Naga struggle, it said that the leaders of various political groups “must rein in hooligans and hoodlums in their respective set-up rather than encouraging or aiding such elements.”
As opposed to inter-factional violence, it said that bridging gap, promoting understanding and mutual acceptance is the only path to assert the right and identity of the Nagas and to collectively secure the shared vision and future of the people.
The WC, NNPGs appealed to all the NPGs to exercise restraint and maturity in resolving any misunderstanding, while ensuring violence and aggression is not repeated.
