Western Sumi bodies eased one ultimatum after an abduction case but warned the NSCN/GPRN (Khango–Vusshe) group of zero tolerance for future violations.
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DIMAPUR — Western Sumi apex bodies on Monday eased one ultimatum clause in deference to the peace process—but warned armed factions that any repeat of intimidation or violence will be met with zero tolerance.
In a joint statement, the Western Sumi Hoho, the Western Sumi Kukami Hoho and the Western Sumi Youth Front announced their decision to reconsider one of the ultimatums issued to NSCN/GPRN (Khango–Vusshe) faction.
The issue concerns the January 19 abduction and assault of Kiyeto Zhimomi of Vikuho village by cadres of NSCN/GPRN (Khango–Vusshe) group, currently under ceasefire with the government of India, over alleged non-remittance of transport-related funds.
The Western Sumi apex bodies recalled that a four-point ultimatum was served on the faction, of which three demands have already been complied with.
On the fourth demand—relating to the shifting of the faction’s Ceasefire Monitoring Cell (CFMC) from public-inhabited areas—the organisations stated that they have agreed to reconsider the ultimatum in good faith, taking into account the larger peace process.
They clarified, however, that the location and regulation of ceasefire monitoring cells involve third-party authorities such as the Ceasefire Supervisory Board, the state government and other competent agencies.
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At the same time, the Western Sumi bodies laid down “a stern and unequivocal directive”, asserting that the CFMC must function strictly within the framework of ceasefire ground rules.
They directed the chairman of the Ceasefire Monitoring Group/Board to streamline the activities of the faction in accordance with the agreement and warned that the office must not be used for intimidation, extortion, ransom demands or any form of parallel governance.
Making their position clear, the organisations said that any future violation, repetition of such acts or misuse of ceasefire facilities would invite zero tolerance, with no scope for compromise or reconsideration.
Issuing what they described as a final and unambiguous warning, the Western Sumi Hoho, Western Sumi Kukami Hoho and their frontals cautioned all armed factions operating in Western Sumi-inhabited areas that any attempt to intimidate, abduct, assault, harass or threaten members of their organisations, bona fide Sumi citizens or the wider Naga society would not be tolerated under any circumstances.
They asserted that any such incident in the future would compel the Western Sumi bodies and their frontals to take collective and decisive action deemed necessary to safeguard the dignity, safety and authority of their people and institutions, without conditions.