DIMAPUR, APRIL 3 (MExN): The Kitovi-led GPRN/NSCN has denied allegations that its President, Gen. (Retd) MB Neokpao Konyak, is being held under duress, stating that the reports in the press and media are “fabrications without a shred of truth.”
In a press release issued by the Ministry of Information and Publicity, the group clarified that Neokpao left on medical grounds and was not detained or coerced. “The allegation in the press and Media that we have kept him under coercion is baseless since he was never kept under duress,” the statement said.
According to the group, Neokpao informed the organization of health complications and sought treatment. To facilitate his medical travel, the GPRN/NSCN said it formally requested the Western Sumi Hoho and the Western Chakhesang Public Organization (CPO) to assist.
“These organizations were asked to take utmost care in facilitating his transportation till the hospital for treatment and was supposed to return to the designated Camp,” the release stated.
However, the GPRN/NSCN said that Neokpao did not return to the camp after treatment and instead went directly to the residence of Gen. Samson Aye in Thahekhu Village. “This development has raised questions and concerns among members of the GPRN/NSCN and the involved civil societies,” it stated.
The group said Neokpao was sent off “with all proper Government protocol” and that “we had send him with all his personal security guards with One Section of Arms in order to escort him and so that he can be safe from any eventuality and protect his life.”
The GPRN/NSCN reiterated that it continues to recognize Neokpao as President. “We still take and regard Gen. (Retd) MB Neokpao Konyak as our President,” the group said, while noting that it was unclear whether Neokpao was staying at Aye’s residence “with his own consent or he is being held captive at the private residence with outrageous exaltation and incentives salving significantly.”
On claims about nomenclature and factional affiliations, the GPRN/NSCN said, “It is to be known that there is no ‘U’ or ‘W’ political nomenclature in GPRN/NSCN. It was the Media Fraternity that coined the group name to Unification.”
The group further asserted its commitment to reunification efforts and said that civil and tribal leaders “await his return after medical treatment.”
“Had there been any genuine hostility towards the President, we would have taken all the Arms belonging to the GPRN/NSCN (NK) Government back without hesitation. Instead, we chose to allow him to retain them while wishing him a speedy recovery as he seeks treatment,” it stated.
“We wish him speedy recovery and return home soon,” the release added.
