NSCN (NK)
File photo: NSCN cadres.

The NSCN (Reformation) has justified the expulsion of its army chief Jackson Pochury who allegedly attempted a “coup” against the collective leadership of the outfit.

The outfit issued the expulsion order against Jackson on December 18 for allegedly attempting a “coup” in the eastern sector of Makury region.

The NSCN (R) said the general headquarters (GHQ) of “Naga army” regretted having chosen Jackson as its chief. The outfit in a statement said that his acts “defaced the institution”.

In case Jackson joins other Naga group, the NSCN (R) said the group that inducts him should not take it as a challenge, if the parent organisation takes action against him as his issue would remain a “separate chapter.”

“The relationship among all Naga groups will continue unshakably, but Jackson’s issue will be operational,” it added.

The outfit wondered how could a man like Jackson challenge the collective leadership and threaten to kill the leaders in open daylight. It also asked him with whose support he had taken the decision to attack the collective leaders.

Asserting that Jackson was expelled from GPRN and that he was no more chief of army staff, the outfit appealed to all the Naga army personnel and civil members to cut off all sorts of relationship with him.

It also appealed all the agencies of the government of India to sever ties with Jackson and not to entertain him in any manner.

However, it reaffirmed of continuing to maintain cordial relationship with all the central agencies.

The NSCN (R) further asked Jackson to return the two weapons allegedly taken away by him, failing which “action will be taken in appropriate time”.

However, Jackson demanded proper investigation into his expulsion as per the law of the “Naga army” as well as an explanation from the president of the group.

Bhadra Gogoi is Northeast Now Correspondent in Nagaland. He can be reached at: [email protected]