Kohima: Senior leaders of NSCN (Khaplang)–Y. Wangtin Naga and P. Tikhak–expelled by chairman S. S. Khaplang for defying order of abrogation of ceasefire with the Government of India, have officially announced formation of a new outfit, National Socialist Council of Nagaland (Reformation) or NSCN (R).
It will be known as Government of the People’s Republic of Nagaland or GPRN.
The decision to float this new group was resolved unanimously during a joint council meeting held at Mon district yesterday under the chairmanship of Wangtin Naga and attended by members from both the Naga Army and the civil set up, a statement issued by the two leaders said.
The duo wanted to continue with the ceasefire maintaining that violence has never served a good purpose and the Naga political problem can only be resolved through peace and negotiation while Khaplang had it abrogated because the 14 years of ceasefire between NSCN (K) and India has become a mockery and futile exercise.
In their first press communique as the newest Naga political group, the NSCN (R) justified their decision by maintaining that it was never our choice to create another group but situation was created as such that, we have been left to fend for ourselves and also we need to accommodate all our followers.
They admitted it was quite understandable that the Naga people will not be able to accept a new political outfit where there is already a plethora of NPGs.
However, it assured that the primary agenda of NSCN (R) would be to develop a sense of brotherhood among the Naga family and also to rebuild the trust and faith among the Naga society.
We would also like to give opportunity to all the Naga people, NGO, social organization, intellectuals and leaders of various tribal councils to share their ideas in building a renewed Naga society.
It will also be our humble effort to run the party without becoming a liability to the people, the press statement added.
The High Powered Committee (HPC) constituted by the Nagaland Government has already recognized seven Naga political groups namely, NSCN (IM), GPRN/NSCN (Khole-Kitovi), NSCN (K), Naga National Council (NNC- Non-Accordist), NNC (Accordist), Federal Government of Nagaland (FGN -Non-Accordist) and FGN (Accordist). Along with these seven groups, NSCN (R) will now be the eighth rebel group in Nagaland. (UNI)
