Chumoukedima: N Kitovi Zhimomi reclaimed his position as the ‘Ato Kilonser’ (prime minister) of the GPRN/NSCN (Unification) at a “national” assembly held on Tuesday at 5th Mile Chumoukedima.
This development comes a month after his ‘impeachment’ from the top position.
Zhimomi is also the convenor of the working committee for Naga National Political Groups (NNPGs). In 2017, the NNPGs signed an agreed position with the Government of India to address the long-standing Naga political issue.
In a resolution adopted by the NSCN-U’s national assembly, the group unanimously denounced the April 21 meeting resolution by a “few vested interest members.” The assembly comprised advisors to collective leadership, NPAC, Council of Kilonsers, Naga Army top brass and all ranks and files, Union Territory, Secretariat staff, and all Regional authorities of the group.
The resolution stated that Zhimomi’s impeachment was “unconstitutional” and reaffirmed its support for him.
“The house fully rejects the 21st April 2024 resolution on this day, the 28th of May 2024, and declares it null and void and stands firm on the 31st Oct. 2022 wherein Mr. N. Kitovi Zhimomi, Ato Kilonser, was unanimously elected for another tenure (6 years) up to 31st Oct. 2028,” it stated.
The assembly also elected a new team of top leaders with self-styled Maj (Retd) R.M. Lotha as the president and Chennyiem Konyak as the vice president. Jungshiwati Ao was elected as the Deputy Ato Kilonser. Brig Kiyehe Yeptho was appointed as the Commander-in-Chief of the Naga Army and Brig. Yekuto Zhimo as the Deputy Commander-in-Chief.
The House reaffirmed its support for the team “to lead the government in bringing an honourable, acceptable and enduring solution to the vexed Indo-Naga political problem.”
In his address to the assembly, Kitovi Zhimomi, reflecting on his 38 years of service to the Naga political movement, said that the most painful moments were when differences started appearing among the Nagas, causing tensions within the community and even within families.
Reflecting on the 16-point agreement of 1960, a crucial accord between the Government of India and the leaders of the Naga People’s Convention (NPC), he said that Nagas are now enjoying the fruits of the agreement, particularly in the immense progress of the education sector in the state. However, he remarked that the large number of educated people has led to a depressing scenario of educated unemployed youths in Nagaland who cannot find anything meaningful to do.
He called for a new political arrangement, something bigger and better than the 16-point agreement, to accommodate the younger generation and their rights for a progressive future.
He further stressed the need for Nagaland to progress economically and said that the state should take advantage of the Government of India’s policies in favor of the northeast, especially the Act East policy.
Zhimomi also cautioned that if there is no peace in Nagaland, none of the programs will move forward.
Talking to the press after the program, Zhimomi said that he’s leading the same “old party with new leadership.”
Asked what the main objective of the group is now, he said, “We have to continue our journey to bring a permanent solution.”
On the question of allegations regarding financial misappropriation and other charges leveled against him, he rejected the allegations as “untrue” and said that “truth shall prevail one day,” adding he will provide the documents if required.
On whether he thinks the GOI could have a role in the divisions created within the group, he maintained that there is no reason to implicate the Government of India and said that “It was by our own cadre just to cover up the corruption.”
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Asked if he would take a strong stance against illegal taxation, he said that it is his “main objective.”
“Even if I were in their place, it is beyond tolerable. So, I will extend all-out support to the business community,” he said.
Also Read | Brothers divided: Why Naga tribes are locking horns at the Nagaland-Manipur border