Setting all speculations at rest, ‘gen.’ (retired) Kholi Konyak, president of the GPRN/NSCN on Saturday declared that he has decided to join NSCN (I-M) under the leadership of chairman Isak Chishi Swu and general secretary Th. Muivah.
While Khole’s joining had been doing the rounds recently, GPRN/NSCN had earlier refuted the report. Kholi had reportedly gone to Delhi for treatment and during which he had decided to make the move. According to reports, Khioli along with one kilonser and some of his staff joined the NSCN (I-M).
In his declaration made on March 12, 2016, Kholi said after having realized, he had “taken the right decision to join the only correct national line under the leadership of chairman Isak Chishi Swu and general secretary Th. Muivah.”
“In good faith, robust and sound mind on my own volition as a responsible leader I accept and acknowledge their leadership and completely support the present Indo-Naga talk as the only acceptable foundation for out nations survival”, he stated.
While reminding that he had joined the Naga national cause in 1956 and had been faithful and committed, Kholi said “no one should doubt about it that I am also one of those who are looking for the future of the Nagas”. Kholi said he was “fully convinced that NSCN led by chairman Isak Chishi Swu and general secretary Th. Muivah is the only future-oriented organization of the Nagas.”
He said it was a fact to be acknowledged that NSCN is the authentic organization recognized by many countries including the government of India.
Kholi said his conscience had guided him not to serve the people in the wrong way or die in the wrong way.
“I must find the way. I shall therefore continue to work for the cause of the Nagas with full conviction and total loyalty to the end. Together we shall strife and leave behind a legacy of peace and prosperity for the coming generation”, he said.
In this regard, he appealed to all Nagas to join the correct national line under the leadership of Isak and Muivah of the NSCN (I-M).
NSCN (I-M) welcomes
NSCN (I-M) has welcomed the decision of ‘gen’ (retd) Kholi to join hands with its chairman Isak Chishi Swu and general secretary Th. Muivah of the National Socialist Council of Nagalim in order to forge a common future for the Naga People.
Informing this in a press note, secretary GPRN, S. Among Lim said a simple prayer ceremony was held at Oking of the collective leadership, where Kholi along with some of his senior members were welcomed. NSCN (I-M) ato kilonser, Th. Muivah along with members of the collective leadership and senior members of the NSCN/GPRN were present.
Lim said that the leaders have “committed to unite under the National Socialist Council of Nagalim and consolidate the correct national line and acknowledge the present Indo-Naga talks as the only acceptable foundation for the survival of the Naga Nation”.
GPRN/NSCN elects new president
GPRN/NSCN National Tatar Hoho (Assembly), during its extraordinary emergency session at designated Khehoi on March 12, 2016, expelled its president ‘gen.’ (Retd.) Kholi who had joined the NSCN (I-M).
According to a declaration issued to the media by the MIP, GPRN/NSCN, the National Tatar Hoho noted that Kholi, chairman of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN) and president of the Government of the People’s Republic of Nagaland (GPRN), had willfully violated Article 18 of the National Yehzabo (Constitution) and Party Discipline Part C Clause 4, Party Discipline Part C clause 5, Party Discipline part C clause 6.
MIP stated that Kholi was entrusted with the National responsibility on June 7, 2011 and on the early morning of January 15, 2016, he left a written document vesting all powers and responsibilities to prime minister (ato kilonser) N Kitovi Zhimomi till his return.
The declaration stated that he absconded from duty citing ill-health and connived with the adversaries.
“Morally and ethically this would be the most painful self-inflicted wound a man in his position would nurse lifelong. History will prove that he failed his people and government at a crucial time,” it stated.
The declaration further stated that the August house, endorsing and upholding the National Yehzabo (Constitution) of the Naga Nation, “evoked Article 18 and with raised hands of all the members, expelled General (Retd.) Kholi from NSCN party and Government on 12th March 2016.”
Upon his expulsion, it said the National Tatar Hoho unanimously elected “Commander-in-Chief of the Naga Army, Gen. M.B Neokpao Konyak, as the Chairman of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN) and President of the People’s Republic of Nagaland (GPRN).”