Naga Political Groups Urged to Unite for Resolution
Call for Unity Among Naga Political Entities
Dimapur, Dec 16: The Niki Sumi faction of the NSCN (K) has emphasized the necessity for Naga political parties, the Naga populace, and various organizations to join forces in addressing the Naga political dilemma.
During a press conference at the Ceasefire Supervisory Board office, Niki Sumi expressed concern over the fragmentation among Naga political factions.
He stated, "When civil society is split, factions emerge based on tribal or village lines. The responsibility does not rest solely on the political groups; the divisions within civil society also fuel these factions," highlighting his leadership of the NSCN(K) Niki Sumi group.
Sumi advocated for the consolidation of three key apex organizations: the United Naga Council (UNC) in Manipur, the Eastern Nagaland People's Organisation (ENPO), and the Nagaland Tribes Council (NTC).
He criticized the central government's strategy of prolonging the issue, suggesting that they believe the Naga people will eventually lose interest. "The Naga people are not naive. If the aim is merely to conclude discussions without a sincere resolution, the Naga community is observant and will ultimately grasp the truth," he remarked.
He accused Naga tribal and political leaders of misleading the public regarding their interactions with New Delhi, asserting that many leaders who claim to participate in high-level meetings are actually "manipulated by Indian intelligence agencies to create discord."
"Our objective is not to create factions. Naga intellectuals and political groups must analyze this situation to avoid a fate similar to that of the Punjab movement. If political parties become complacent, a resolution will remain elusive," Sumi warned.
Regarding the stalemate in the peace negotiations, he contrasted the approaches of the Naga National Political Groups (NNPG) with that of the NSCN-IM's Framework Agreement.
Sumi argued that the NSCN-IM's demand for a flag and constitution is inconsistent if the central government does not agree to the "integration" of Naga-inhabited regions in Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh, and Assam with Nagaland.
"Without integration, how can a flag or constitution represent the southern Nagas? Will the Centre consent to alter the boundaries of Manipur or Arunachal? If integration does not occur, the flag and constitution hold no significance," he questioned.
Sumi also raised doubts about the contents of the Framework Agreement signed with the Centre on August 3, 2015, stating, "The specifics remain unclear."
He noted, "The NNPGs propose that we accept what is feasible now and advocate for the remaining rights democratically in the future," urging intellectuals and the public to evaluate both agreements rationally and "acknowledge the reality."
The ceasefire between the Centre and NSCN-IM commenced in 1997, initiating discussions aimed at resolving the longstanding conflict. Following over 70 rounds of negotiations, the Framework Agreement was signed with NSCN-IM in 2015.
However, the Centre has yet to concede to NSCN-IM's ongoing demand for a distinct flag and constitution for the Nagas, resulting in extended negotiations.
Additionally, the Centre began parallel talks with the WC NNPGs, a coalition of seven Naga groups, in 2017, culminating in the Agreed Position that same year.
While the WC NNPGs have shown readiness to accept what is achievable and continue discussions on other contentious issues, the NSCN-IM has declared it will not accept any resolution without a separate flag and constitution.