PRESS STATEMENT
The unfortunate shootout at Kijümetouma village under Kohima on January 2 is deeply regretted. We share the sorrow of the family and all Naga communities in general for the loss of our dear comrade at the onset of New Year. No amount of justification can restore the precious life that had fallen victim in the incident. However, let this be a grim reminder to all concerned that the key players in the making of reconciliation or undoing the efforts of peacemaking are not the cadres in the field who find themselves under fire but those in the higher echelon who plot treacherous plans for their own vested interest. The leaders of the concerned group themselves shall be answerable to the general public in the interest of all Nagas as to why should there be sudden movement of armed cadres in the vicinity of VP Battalion Naga Army and unaccounted accumulation of hundreds of cadres belonging to Meitei and Kuki underground groups in and around Kijumetouma village prior to the incident. The skirmish took place when a section of our cadres was sent to ascertain the happenings around the village. As such, it was never a premeditated attack on our part. Rather, the incident turned out to be a setback for us in our long search for rapprochement among Naga brethren.
Besides this, the frequent harassment perpetrated upon the public by the occupants of Athibung camp cannot be overlooked. Reports of abuse such as beating up youths of Lilen village, abduction of Jalukieram villagers including the village GB for ransom etc. in the name of NSCN have been around for quite sometimes now. In the event of another shootout during our intervention, who is to get the blame? Even now, it is crystal clear that all these unruly acts have been committed either to provoke us or abuse the name of NSCN. It is to be borne in mind by all and sundry that ceasefire or for that matter reconciliation process does not infers to cornering one another and watching who fires first. Let us do away with the blame game; instead let us align ourselves with the process in truth and sincerity.
Col. Levi Zimik
PRO/IPR
Department of R & D
GHQ, Naga Army