Dimapur: The Alezo Venuh-led GPRN/NSCN (U) has spoken out following the recent capture of the Khehoyi Camp, the headquarters of NSCN (U), by the N. Kitovi Zhimomi-led group on 22 March.
At a press conference held on Tuesday at the residence of the group’s Army Chief, Samson Aye, in Dimapur, senior leaders of NSCN (U) addressed the situation. Present at the briefing were Ato Kilonser Alezo Venuh, Kilo Kilonser Huvito Yepthomi, Member of the Collective Leadership C. Singson, and other senior members.
Alezo Venuh reaffirmed that the group’s leadership remains intact despite the takeover. “The government is intact. The President is there. Ato Kilonser is there. Kilo Kilonser, Chief of Army, and all the units are intact,” he stated.
Venuh reiterated the group’s commitment to reconciliation and the Naga people’s interests, asserting that their efforts under President MB Neokpao Konyak continue. “In the larger interest, GPRN/NSCN (U), starting from the President, myself, and all the leaders here, we are for reconciliation and for the interest of Naga future. We will go the extra mile,” he said.
He further emphasised that MB Neokpao Konyak and C. Singson were the ones who signed the ceasefire agreement with the Government of India in 2012, and that it remains in effect.
Addressing the events at Khehoyi Camp, Venuh accused Kitovi Zhimomi’s faction of “illegally occupying” the headquarters. He stressed the importance of non-violence in resolving disputes, stating, “There are many ways and means to sort out things. If we resort to violence, the situation can spiral out of control. Our people also do not want that kind of a situation. But we haven’t vacated the camp yet.”
Venuh also expressed doubts about Kitovi Zhimomi’s stance on reconciliation, saying, “Kitovi has spoken for reconciliation, but seeing the things on the ground, it seems otherwise.”
C. Singson, a Member of the Collective Leadership, echoed similar sentiments, stating that the control of Khehoyi Camp should not be the primary focus. “Taking control of Khehoyi Camp is not the real issue, and if this is what we think, I believe that is cheap politics. We still have a long way to go. The solution and reconciliation lie with the people,” he said.
He called upon Naga civil society, including Tribal Hohos and other organisations, to work together towards peace. “If the Kitovi group has taken over the Khehoyi Camp, it does not mean that NSCN (U) is lost. We will still function as a government,” he asserted.
The press conference followed an “emergency joint council” meeting convened by the GPRN/NSCN (U) leadership.
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