Clarifying that this is not the right time for them to “split” when the Nagas are waiting for a solution to the protracted “Naga peace talks”, the NSCN (R) functionary also stated that since all of them are working for Nagas, it is a necessity for them to take suggestions from the people.
By Imna Longchar, TFM Nagaland Correspondent
Amidst speculations doing the rounds that NSCN (Reformation) is now on the verge for a “split”, senior functionaries of the group under its vice-president, Akato Chophy, on Tuesday clarified on the same. He stated that it was not a “split” but “re-reforming” within its group which they felt was the need of the hour.
Briefing media persons at Hoito Village, some kilometres away from Dimapur, a member of the group said that though there were some “internal problems” going on within its members since last year, and as per the request of the working group convener, N. Kitovi Zhimomi, to withhold for few days, the outcome would be detailed only thereon.
Also clarifying that this is not the right time for them to “split” when the Nagas are waiting for a solution to the protracted “Naga peace talks”, the member also stated that since all of them are working for Nagas, it is also a necessity for them to take suggestions from the people.
“Our government is not split but in order to re-reform which is our ideology and target”, said the member while justifying that if in case left with no choice (split), is not their doing as they didn’t advocate. Another member from the same team said that they had thoroughly discussed in its earlier meeting that they needed “re-reformation” as their “government” name itself is “reformation”.
Informing that there were no differences in the collective leadership, but the speculation or the situation on the split must have been created due to “power-sharing” or based on misuse of power, the member further also admitted that the “misunderstanding” is within their own “government.” He however said that he cannot tell whether or not they might be together or go different ways.
Global Naga Forum condemns Oct 17 killing
Meanwhile, the Global Naga Forum (GNF) in its strongest possible terms has condemned the “enmity” between the NSCN (U) and NSCN (K-Niki Sumi) which had resulted in the killing of a “patriot” from the Niki group.
In a press statement, GNF media cell, stated that Naga people, regardless of their ideological and political differences, must agree and be clear about “one thing”, while also adding that any group that resorts to “Naga-on-Naga violence and murder”, is by those very act an enemy of the people and enemy of the people and of the Naga cause.
“Claiming the Naga cause of freedom and self-determination, then taking away the right of our own people to live, is absurd”, read the press statement further supplementing that it is barbaric, inhuman, and morally repugnant by the standards of any civilized society.
Stating that Naga people are dead tired of the endless divisions, enmities, and killings, the GNF said that it believes it is time to start resolving the problems through non-violent negotiations and commitment to a process of healing.
“Any Naga political groups or civil society organizations whose loyalty to the group is greater than loyalty to greater Naga cause are not patriots,” it maintained.
Meanwhile, the forum has also condemned the killing of Atoka Kinimi and empathized with the family members of the deceased.