Niki Sumi termed the NSCN/GPRN led by him as the “third entity” apart from NSCN (I-M) and the Naga National Political Groups (NNPGs), presently in talks with the government of India. He however said that his group was not against the “Framework Agreement” or the “Agreed Position”.
By Imna Longchar, TFM Nagaland Special Correspondent
Maintaining its earlier decision to rejoin the Naga peace talks after reviving the ceasefire agreement, the NSCN/GPRN led by Niki Sumi has expressed its desire to fulfil the wishes and aspirations of the Nagas to give peace a chance. Niki Sumi and his group has reiterated their stand for an “inclusive one solution” to the decades old “Indo-Naga” political issue so that the Nagas can be united.
While interacting with media persons at Hotel Saramati, Dimapur on Monday, Niki Sumi pointed out that the “Naga peace solution” lies in the hands of the Naga people and not with the Naga political groups alone. He said that his group has come to the negotiating table with the government of India as per the desire of the people and assured that the group will do “what will serve the best interest of the people”.
Niki Sumi observed that since the government of India had pressed for an “inclusive one solution”, he hoped that the newly appointed “interlocutor” AK Mishra would pursue the same for the interest of the Nagas.
With a commitment to work with the people, Niki Sumi also termed the NSCN/GPRN led by him as the “third entity” apart from NSCN (I-M) and the Naga National Political Groups (NNPGs), presently in talks with the government of India. He however said that his group was not against the “Framework Agreement” or the “Agreed Position”.
“We are not against the Framework Agreement or the Agreed Position. Naga people will only see what is Agreed Position and Framework Agreement,” Niki maintained while also adding his group will provide inputs “which is need of the hour and if it is done, they would be able to achieve
an inclusive one solution.”
The NSCN/GPRN president opined that if the government of India was sincere on what they had said about “one solution” in bringing a final settlement, the three entities – NSCN (I-M), NNPGs and NSCN led by him should be “united”.
On being asked whether the NSCN/GPRN led by him demanding for separate flag and constitution, Niki Sumi said his group is not against it but rather would uphold and respect Nagas’ views before taking any decision.
Holding both the Nagas and the political parties equally responsible in delaying the “Naga Solution”, Niki disclosed that “problems” were created by many while supporting “Framework Agreement and Agreed Position.
He also opined that the NSCN (I-M) and the NNPGs should have been united before entering into ceasefire pacts in order to bring about a solution.
Asked whether the leaders of the three Naga “entities” have decided to hold a joint meet, Niki shared that the original status of the political groups was to demand “sovereignty” which no longer exists. But those “in talks” with the government of India are having the privilege of talks under the Indian Constitution while adding that “sovereignty and integration” had been dropped from the agenda.
“When the original issues sovereignty and integrations have been dropped, they have differences and if three entities come together, we can achieve one solution,” said the GPRN/NSCN president.
Clarifying on the rampant taxations or illegal collections by various “underground groups”, Niki Sumi said that unless the Naga political problems are solved, they cannot function without “taxes” being levied. He however also admitted that the business community is suffering from the “tax collections” not only due to the political groups but also the “over ground people” who are collecting “taxes” in different ways.