Brief interactions with rebel leaders N Kitovi Zhimomi and Alezo Venuh

Nirendra Dev *

R N Ravi, Kitovi, Alezo and other leaders of NNPG

"Indian negotiators did their part, Nagas had to do better"

(Five years have lapsed since 2019 when the Govt authorities announced that the Naga peace talks were over by Oct 31st.

Journalist Nirendra Dev caught up with two key rebel leaders and protagonists of an early Solution vis-a-vis the Agreed Position. We posed identical questions to both N Kitovi Zhimomi and Alezo Venuh - both now leading respective factions.)

# What do you think of the Naga political situation today ? It's been five years since the 2019 announcement that the talks had ended successfully?

Kitovi : It's a great occasion and you are right; the talks have been successful. From NNPG, we gave our best. A few years ago I told you Mr R N Ravi is a tough interlocutor. As a former police man and holding important posts like Deputy National Security Advisor, he did a good job from New Delhi's point of view. We had to do better. Yes, we did our best.

Alezo : You are right, we have come a long way. The NNPG did make history. But it was tough days initially. The GB Federation leaders played an important role. I will also salute the roles played by NTC and of course some individuals. We may not mention everyone here. R N Ravi did his part...so did stalwarts like S C Jamir and even intellectuals such as retired IAS officer, K K Sema. Many others...some friends like you all in the media (laughs mildly) .... Editors and journalists in Dimapur and Kohima. We are really grateful to all.

# What is something very important about the negotiation period you recall today?

Kitovi : We started on a clean slate... but we were realistic. Enough of guns, I told my boys. Bandook toh moi chharibo... I told them categorically. But I also said "Izzat (Naga prestige)" is also important. I said a Naga revolutionary leader needs to be pragmatic, realistic and someone with utmost tolerance to build a platform for peaceful co-existence with Indian brothers and sisters. Some of them did not understand. I had to explain them repeatedly. Those were tough days.

Alezo: Oh ! The way we changed ourselves. I was never a sincere student. My father was surprised at times as I started reading books and newspapers regularly. We used to meet constitutional experts. R N Ravi handled things differently. We had to make him understand our position, Shri Kitovi and our other colleagues were also doing their best. I kept stating in the meetings that this is a God-send opportunity. We were trying to be practical. Let us save our next generation that was the idea.

# In 2024 -- you seemed to have lost your way.... The battle is almost lost because there is daily fight between Kitovi and Alezo Venuh. You must understand, some people are enjoying the fact that you are fighting.

Kitovi: When you meet Alezo for your lunch with pork rice, tell him all that. The young people have led me down. I could have addressed their grievances. But what they did is unethical. They called a meeting on a Sunday. No major Govt. business is transacted on Sundays.. 21st April was Army Coup from their side. The National Tatar Hoho was already conveyed on April 24 and 25. But they were in a hurry. At times, I feel my boys were misguided in Kohima, Imphal or even Delhi. But I would not give up... I told our new team. My new President R M Lotha is a mature leader. We will deliver what we have to as NSCN-GPRN.

Alezo: This is an internal matter. I will not talk about anything on this today. You wanted to ask me about five years since Talks have ended. So, I will take only relevant questions. But I can say, I have no personal agenda taking over my new role. It was also painful, but sometimes you know how it goes around.

# What is the roadmap ahead?

Kitovi: As I said, it is time to be practical. Last time you called me over the phone and I told you even the NSCN-IM meeting with new interlocutor A K Mishra in October 2024 in Delhi was to be welcomed. Some Naga leaders were surprised at my gesture. They tried spreading stories. Sometime I feel my Naga people have lost traditional Naga values... Where does such influence come from? In Delhi, I told some important people -- please do not delay this Final Solution signing ceremony. Some leaders you thought would be asset to India and the BJP have started working against you. But I am an optimist, Mishra, Shri Amit Shah and PM Narendra Modi ji understand things well. We shall overcome all hurdles posed by some petty people.

Alezo: Well, we will achieve what we have to. The Govt of India says they are serious. Our leaders in the NNPG are more serious. Our Naga people have suffered enough. In August when you asked me about the Naga issue, I think I told you categorically that the Naga people at the mass level want early Solution. Enough of these dirty politics. You believe me .... Nagas want this Solution and those who think they can get away by delaying things will soon be cornered and face gradual isolation in our Naga society.