Despite rifts, GPRN/NSCN reaffirms its word to Naga Political issue

Dimapur:  The Collective Leadership of the GPRN/NSCN today acknowledged that the series of events following the extraordinary session of the National Tatar Hoho on April 21 has “dampened the trust” of the public, but also affirmed that it established one “irrefutable truth.” Despite the setback, it emphasized that there is now absolute consensus, unwavering commitment, and determination on the Indo-Naga issue.

In a press statement, the GPRN/NSCN asserted that the decision taken at the April 21 session was “vital for the survival of a people’s government.”

Soon after, a discomforting naming and shaming of senior national leaders in the public domain ensued, which naturally needed a truthful and factual response. In the process, the episode exacerbated and dampened the trust of the people, who are the real stakeholders and source of power in the Naga political movement, it said.

However, the statement issued by GPRN/NSCN President General (Retired) MB Neokpao Konyak and Ato Kilonser Alezo Venuh asserted that there is only one “irrefutable truth.”

All efforts were made to prevent such a dangerous political mishap, with leaders both senior and junior, as well as young leaders, having “numerous spirited visits, heated analytical discussions, blunt advice, and forewarnings on revolutionary governance and necessary measures, citing past events,” it noted.

The inevitable hour arrived on April 21, and unfortunately, it is now a sad reality that GPRN/NSCN has lost a chunk of its own flesh, it added.

The Collective Leadership also noted that the development has undeniably shocked and disappointed the apex Naga Civil Societies, the Naga Gaon Buras (GBs), the Naga Tribal Hohos, and leaders at all levels who support the Naga cause unconditionally, without fear.

Nevertheless, there is a silver lining to the crisis, and now there is absolute consensus, unwavering commitment, and determination on the Indo-Naga issue being pursued on the principle of the Agreed Position, it said.

The WC, NNPGs rigorously and transparently negotiated with the Government of India (GoI) without compromising the core essence of Naga political aspiration, it pointed out.

To this end, the statement affirmed that the “Status Paper” is the child of all Nagas, whether in Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh, or Assam.
The WC, NNPGs sought people’s opinions and negotiated with the GoI, and this is irrevocable and irreversible, it said.

“On this meticulously negotiated matter, we believe all other Naga political groups outside the current WC, NNPG fold, despite our fundamental weaknesses, are on the same page in the Indo-Naga political discourse,” it added.

“Nagas must look at this practical scenario,” the Collective Leadership of GPRN/NSCN stressed.

It further recalled that on April 27, 2012, the GoI and GPRN/NSCN signed a fresh ceasefire agreement immediately after former Chairman S. Khaplang was “impeached” by the National Tatar Hoho at an emergency session.

The agreement was signed by Shambu Singh, the then Joint Secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs, North East Division, and GPRN/NSCN, represented by C. Singson Kuki, then Supervisor CFMG, and GPRN/NSCN President Konyak, who was then the Naga Army Chief.

It was a national exigency and a very decisive verdict of the Naga National workers, the statement maintained.

To this end, the GPRN/NSCN asserted that the “Naga Self Determination” agenda was set on January 10, 1929, and the long and arduous road of Naga nationalism has brought great hardship and suffering to the common people for generations.

“We hope that our people will continue to trust, believe, and rely on the WC, NNPGs, of which the GPRN/NSCN is an important partner, to ink an honorable and acceptable political solution with the GoI,” it added.