Akato claims majority support; says split for common good of people

Staff Reporter DIMAPUR, NOV 20 (NPN) : In an exclusive interview with Nagaland Post, the newly-elected president of NSCN (R) Akato Chophi claimed the support of over 2,000 members and insisted that the split was not for “personal profit but for the common good of our government and the people”.

He said the objective of his group was to “bring good things for our people and to expedite the Naga solution”.

Excerpts of the interview

NP: What was the compelling reason behind the split?

Akato: We have to follow the constitution, which was drafted in 1980 during the formation of NSCN. With further split of NSCN, some minor changes were made but the essence of the constitution remains the same and we follow it. No one wants to split the organisation. When we are trying to unite the whole Naga people, splitting was not an option for me.

However, to betray the constitution of the NSCN is wrong. I have been insisting that others strictly adhere to the constitution.

There are people within the organisation who are not following it. To follow the constitution, I had to take a course of action.

NP: Are you implying that NSCN (R) president Wangtin Naga and general secretary P Tikhak defied the constitution?

Akato: No, I did not say that, but they are using certain people who do not know anything about the Naga history and constitution. These people, not Wangtin and Tikhak, are only after money.

NP: When news of the imminent split was reported by local media, including Nagaland Post, civil society organisations (CSOs), including tribal hohos, rejected any split within factions and appealed for reconciliation. So why go against the wishes of the people?

Akato: We need support of NGOs, CSOs, tribal hohos and Nagas in general. We will do what they want us to do. We cannot take action on our own. We are fighting for the Naga people and we have to listen to them. However, going against the constitution is going against the people.

That is the main reason why we have split. We are compelled to do it. Although we do not want to split, I have to take this painful decision. I am friends with Wangtin and Tikhak, and we will remain friends. I wish them good luck and they should also wish me the same. Whatever it is, I don’t have any ill-feelings towards them.

NP: When Naga people are eagerly waiting for a permanent settlement to Naga political issue and have made it very clear that they are fed up of new factions, don’t you think that by splitting at this juncture you are likely to lose public support?

Akato: For last 25 years I have been risking my life and the lives of my family members for the cause of Naga people, so I am ready to sacrifice. Losing public support is not a question here because with the support of the public I have parted ways. Without their support I would not have taken this step.

NP: Your group has declared unilateral ceasefire with GoI. NSCN-R led by Wangtin Naga has extended ceasefire with GoI for another one year. How positive are you that New Delhi would sign ceasefire agreement with your group?

Akato: Signing of ceasefire agreement with any group depends on GoI. I am not saying I am right or they (Wangtin and Tikhak) are wrong. I leave this to the wisdom of GoI to decide.

NP: NSCN-R led by Wangtin is part of seven groups of NNPGs. Will you be part of the Working Committee and the peace process?

Akato: I was very much a part of NNPGs and I will be part of it. I did not form a new organisation; it is a split from NSCN (R) just like other NSCN. I am not starting a new outfit. However, if they do not accept us, then I have to go for another alternative.

NP: You mentioned that your group is part of NNPGs. So, do you support the November 17, 2017 agreement signed between GoI and NNPGs?

Akato: As of now yes.

NP: When are you likely to appoint/elect vice president and general secretary?

Akato: We will be convening joint council meeting soon. The house will then elect/appoint suitable people.

NP: How many NSCN (R) regions have extended support to your leadership?

Akato: NSCN (R) does not have much regions. We have only few regions. However, we did not invite the Konyak region in the meeting because we did not want to split the Konyak people. That is the magnanimity we have shown. Besides Konyak region, all the other existing regions attended the meeting today and extended their support. We have the support of the majority.

NP: What is the current strength of your group?

Akato: We have about 2,000 members or more. These includes UT-1 and majority of regional authorities.

NP: What is the objective of your group?

Akato: To bring good things for our people and expedite the Naga solution. The split is not for personal profit but for the common good of our government and the people.

Source: http://www.nagalandpost.com/akato-claims-majority-support-says-split-for-common-good-of-people/244933.html