NSCN (K) faction not to deposit arms
Source: The Sangai Express / Ninglun Hanghal

New Delhi, April 29 2012: A day after signing ceasefire with the Government of India, N Kitovi Zhimomi general secretary of the GPRN/NSCN said his cadres would abide by the ceasefire ground rules, but would not deposit arms before final negotiations/agreements.

The ceasefire agreement was signed in New Delhi, with a 6 member delegation of the GPRN/NSCN with the Joint Secretary of Home Shambu Singh, who said this act on the part of the New Delhi is recognition of the said new faction of the NSCN (khaplang) which was reported to have split in June 2011 .

The Joint Secretary also reported that the ceasefire agreement signed in 2003 with the NSCN (Khaplang) which is expiring, is in the process of renewal.

The ceasefire is effective from April 28, 2012 for a period of one year.

Speaking about the Nagas' movement for rights and self determination, which is one of the oldest in Southeast Asia, the Naga leader stated that the Government of India has failed to solve the problem, "even with military might" .

File photo of NSCN Kitovi-Khole group cadres at a hideout

While defending that the Nagas' arms struggle is but a retaliation against the State, Kitovi confided that arms do not bring result.

He said "the GPRN � NSCN is prepared and convinced to resolve the Naga problem through democratic process, we are ready to sit across the table with GoI" .

According to the General Secretary, the Prime Minister's level will be the last stage of the talks and that the group is open to the appointment of interlocutor by the GoI, but maintained that it would be a "separate talk " outside of/from NSCN (IM) .

The ceasefire agreement being the beginning of a process of peace talk, Kitovi Zhimomi explained that charter of demands and negotiating points would be formulated once the GoI invited them to begin the talk process.

He affirmed that 'sovereignty' would not be compromised, and that the outcome of the process of the talks should be for the people, which the General Secretary informed that all section of the Naga people would be taken into confidence.

"We will list our demands and negotiation points once we begin the talks," said Kitovi, who is confident that the process would begin soon.

If a situation arises for comprise on sovereignty, "to take up arms or other alternative" would be worked out in consultation with the people, informed the Naga leader.

Zhimomi said, "we have invited the UNC and tribe-wise consultations would be held" .

He added "we have no objection to an alternative arrangement".

On being asked about an opinion on creation of "supra state" the leader said " that is IM's agenda" .

As for the yardstick of the talks, the Naga leader said, "I am not sure whether it will be on similar ground as in the case of NSCN IM" .

On the question of the key demand of the GPRN/NSCN, he said, "we will appraise the GoI for one administrative umbrella for all the Nagas" .

On the question of the Myanmar Nagas, the leader said "Myanmar is out of India's hand" .

Over factional rivalries and reconciliation, he said "we never opposed the IM" .

The GPRN � NSCN leader accused NSCN (K) for killings amongst the Nagas.

"It was NSCN-Khaplang who walked out of the FNR effort", said Kitovi.

The Kitovi-Khole led GPRN-NSCN faction emerged in early June last year when Chairman of NSCN-K, SS Khaplang, was impeached and expelled for his alleged dictatorial leadership during a meeting at the Khehoi designated camp near Dimapur, under Kitovi Zhimomi.

Khole, the commander in chief became its Chairman and Khehoi was announced its designated camp headquarters.

The remaining group under Kughalu Mulatonu and Wangtin joined the NCSN (Khaplang) and has reportedly signed ceasefire with Myanmar Government in Sagaing province in April this year.