NGBF president refutes NSCN (I-M) KR claims

Dimapur (NP): Nagaland GB Federation (NGBF) president Shahlem Konyak has refuted NSCN (I-M) Konyak region claims, which was published in local dailies on August 12, 2020, and asserted that he was “very disheartened by the false statements published to tarnish my image”.

In a press release, NGBF president Shahlem Konyak said it was a deliberate attempt to “assassinate my character, my entire life earned reputation.” Konyak said his “simplicity and honest approaches” have been taken undue advantage. “Nobody should stoop so low that to take advantage and to politicize even on cordial conversations that took placed between Naga brothers, he said and “strongly condemned” the “disquiet” press release that was issued with the intention to create division and hatred among Naga family.

Konyak clarified that on August 5, 2020, two gentlemen, who had introduced themselves as NSCN (I-M) officials had come to his residence and they had a cordial talk about Naga political issues.

While having discussion, Konyak claimed that the NSCN (I-M) officials asked him “why NGBF is always seeking an early Naga political solution?” To which, Konyak said he replied that NSCN (I-M) was also demanding for an early solution.

Further, on their query as to why NGBF was supporting RN Ravi, Konyak said he told them that it was not a question of supporting Ravi, but “we Nagas are seeking for an early solution and the solution should come under his initiative as Interlocutor.”

NGBF president claimed that they also asked him to issue a press release as per their directive, but he denied.

Konyak said above mentioned were the only two valid points that they discussed besides that “no such discussions claimed by NSCN (IM) KR took place.”

NGPF president said he had neither met any officials of NSCN (I-M) Konyak region nor had any telephonic conversation with them.”

He, therefore, stated that whatever was published was “based on hearsays of their colleagues.”

Responding to their allegations and claimed, Konyak said that since he is the NGBF president whatever official documentations including all the press releases were “officially executing through my knowledge and consent.” Therefore, he said the Konyak region’s claim that “some people taking the name of the whole organization” was a wild allegation and should be “treated as an insult to the age-old GBs institution.”

Further, asserting that he was the president of the entire GBs of Nagaland, irrespective of tribes or regions, Konyak therefore said that branding him as an ignorant leader and been manipulated was an insult to his leadership. “Why on earth should I apologize to anybody? Speaking for the welfare of the Nagas is not a crime that needs to be apologized. The roles of Gaunburas in the villages need not be explained to seek attention,” Konyak said.

He also took exception to a part of the statement that said he was “illiterate and failed to understand the purpose of signing the papers for press release during the meeting”.

Asserting that NGBF stood for early Naga political solution, but GBs were not negotiating groups, Konyak said that the demands, therefore, were to be made by the Naga political groups (NPGs).

NGBF president said the federation had been appreciating to all NPGs for successful break-through “whether it was framework-Agreement or Signing of Preamble.”

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