The national general secretary of the Janata Dal (United), Afaque Ahmad Khan, has refuted the en masse resignation of the state executive stating that ‘the meeting was not authorised by the state general secretary’.

Mention may be made that state JDU officials held a meeting at its office in Dimapur on 2 February and alleged ‘self-styled governance of the party followed by the president with a dictatorial attitude, offering no opportunity for participant input’.

A press communique from Khan stated that except for Kitoho S Rotokha, the other state executives did not have the approval of the national office and termed their appointments as invalid.

The party high command also conveyed unflinching support to state president Senchumo NSN Lotha, vice president Hatpha Wang and general secretary Imsumongba Pongen.

It further stated that the party has expelled Kitoho S Rotokha and will initiate appropriate legal action against him for tarnishing the image of JDU in Nagaland.