The Kohima Village Council (KVC) has refuted the allegations made by Rev A Puni Mao of Songsong village, a senior functionary of NSCN/GPRN, alleging that Kohima village had supplied arms to Kuki militants and termed it “false and baseless”.

In a statement issued through its Media Cell, the KVC said the clarification was necessary because of the seriousness of the allegation and to place the factual position before the Naga public.

According to the Council, during a meeting held at Hotel Bliss, Chümoukedima, on June 25, Rev A Puni Mao allegedly claimed that Kohima Village had supplied 30 AK-47 rifles to Kuki militants to fight the Nagas in Manipur.

The KVC categorically rejected the allegation, describing it as completely baseless, with no authenticity or evidence “but to sow divisive attitude with false propaganda” to malign and tarnish the  image of Kohima Village for his personal benefit to earn superiority within his circle of acquaintance.

Following the allegation, the Council said Rev A Puni Mao was invited to a meeting at the Kohima Village Council Hall on July 7, where KVC members, village elders and representatives of various frontal organisations sought an explanation and gave him the opportunity to justify his allegations towards Kohima Village.

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The Council stated that on July 9, Rev A Puni Mao attended the meeting, voluntarily admitted that he had made the allegation without proper deliberation or evidence, acknowledged his mistake and sought forgiveness from the village. It added that he publicly apologised to Kohima Village for his remarks.

The KVC said the matter has since been resolved amicably between the two sides for the time being.