Naga insurgency and Peace : Nikky group gets Ceasefire extension amid Alezo-Kitovi tug of war

 Nikky group gets Ceasefire extension amid Alezo-Kitovi tug of war  

"Ceasefire is subject to adherence to the ground rules"

New Delhi 

"The Konyak Region, GPRN/NSCN, both in the civil and military wing held an emergency meeting pertaining to the situation and change of Leadership within the government. Henceforth, the house unanimously declared its stand to steadfastly support and work under the Collective Leadership of Gen. (Retd) MB Neokpao Konyak, the President and newly elected Ato Kilonser Mr. Alezo Venuh,"- went a declaration.Many more statements came out from different regions trying to establish the credibility of leadership of the Alezo Venuh-led GPRN/NSCN (Unification) camp.

This essentially tells the story of a tug of war between old war compatriots N Kitovi Zhimomi and Alezo Venuh. After being comrades in arms for long, the two leaders have parted ways.Now the battle is about who is genuine. Such things often happen in revolutionary history.

Another statement from the Alezo camp makes it clear that the battlelines are now drawn out and is quite serious.

"The august House also noted that there are certain forces at play to confuse the Naga People including the National Workers". 

Kitovi floated his group after the split and his impeachment from the parent body. Kitovi is not quite new to these games. "We played with others ... now thingshave taken a different turn," said one insider in the GPRN/NSCN (Unification).

Initially Kitovi had called his group a real 'united' one. But others said it is he who'parted ways' and floated a new group.

Of course, technically and otherwise the Govt of India has to decide about the extension of the ceasefire to the unification group(s) probably by April 2025.After the split and after efforts were made by both the groups to prove respective "genuineness"to New Delhi, those concerned in the centre have made it clear that the Govt of India has nothing to do with 'internal squabbles' between individual leaders and different factions.

Informed sources said the centre has also conveyed to the "concerned NNPG leaders" that they would be well advised to "desist from factional clashes" and maintain peace.  

'Nagaland Page'

Alezo and his colleague C Singson were in Delhi last month. Prior to that N Kitovi also had parkedhimself in the national capital in July.

It appears now there are other players in the entire show as well.

On Sept 4, the ceasefire between the centre and the NSCN (K-Nikky) was extended for one year.

The signatories were Abel Zingru Thuer and Ameka Achumi (both on behalf of the militant group)and Additional Secy, Ministry of Home, Piyush Goyal.

The document says the ceasefire will be subject to adherence to the ceasefire ground rules. 

Of course, we have interesting political inputs too. These came from - one each belonging to NPF and LJP (Ram Vilas).

“We have a mandated government and order should be given by the state government,” maintained NPF legislative wing leader Kuzholuzo (Azo) Nienu.He also said in the assembly: “The role of the state government should be crystal clear. Currently, it is full of contradictions and paradoxes". 

Azo's words actually leave the NDPP-BJP regime red-faced because Azo is officiallya supporter of the incumbent PDA government.

These words automatically take us to the raging debate about taxation, extortion, peace and ceasefire. Azo was also candid: ...the ceasefire has instead turned into a “license” for various criminal activities.

Ideally, both Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio and Home Minister Y Patton should have made these statements.

But on the floor of the assembly also came Dr A Sukhato's statement. The LJP (Ram Vilas) floorleader said: "In the last three months 318 young graduates have joined the particular one faction alone".

Though he has not named any group, it appears Dr Sukhato's words allude to the Kitovi faction.

This also shows how 'bigger' the matter is turning as far as the Naga issue is concerned and howeducated youths are being drawn to something which is not a normal course.

"What is the ultimate aim of 318 graduates - young ones joining this faction," said Dr Sukhato. It's almost atongue-in-cheek statement from a professional medico who knows the power of words and their political implications.  

The centre has to assess things carefully. What happens to theprospects of peace talks where NNPG is a key stakeholder ? 

As of now not extending the ceasefire could jeopardise Naga peace parleys that were kickstarted in 1997.

Sources in GPRN/NSCN (Unification) said a few weeks back that the extraordinary session of NationalTatar Hoho was "vital" for the survival of the organisation. The point is well taken.  

ends