By Oken Jeet Sandham
KOHIMA, Jul 27 (NEPS): The Government of India has been seriously working by consulting various agencies to take a “decision” on the “latest development” that has arisen out of the impeachment of SS Khalpang, Chairman of NSCN (Khaplang) and subsequent expulsion of N Kitovi Zhimomi and others from the organization, Maj Gen (Retd) Eppen Jacob Kochekkan, Chairman of the Cease Fire Monitoring Group (CFMG) told NEPS here on July 27.
While denying that the Government of India remained silent on the recent unwanted development following the impeachment of Khaplang from the group, the CFMG Chairman said, “The Government of India needs some time to study that development and do consultation process before taking any decision.”
“And till such time the Government of India takes a decision, the status quo must be maintained,” he said. “That means whatever arrangements were there with the undivided NSCN (K) will continue to be followed.”
He said, “Hopefully, the Government of India will take a decision within this week and convey the same to the groups.”
Asked whether the Government of India had finalized with which group the ceasefire would be maintained, Maj Gen Kochekkan said it was for the Government of India to take decision.
He also said arrangement of escorts for N Kitovi Zhimomi as General Secretary of the undivided NSCN (K) would continue as and when such arrangement was sought and also those ID Card holders would enjoy the same. “This status quo must be maintained till such time the Government of India takes a decision,” he said.
He also clarified that when Kitovi went to Mon after Khaplang was impeached on July 7 and before his expulsion that came on July 12. So between these periods, he sought escorts and they were provided to him, the CFMG Chairman explained. “His movement to Mon took place before 12 July and after 7 July,” he added.
Maj Gen Kochekkan said that he was keeping in touch with leaders of both groups and told them that “Under any circumstances, peace should not be disturbed. Because people want peace and they deserve it.”
Stating that his main job as Chairman of CFMG was to help and strengthen the “peace process,” Maj Gen Kochekkan said his greatest happiness would come in his life “when the people celebrate peace.”