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Dimapur, Jan. 2 (EMN): The NSCN/GPRN led by Gen. (retired) Niki Sumi stated that the decision to join the peace process was taken after heeding to the call of the Nagas to give peace a chance and the yearning for peace which been absent spanning across decades and generations.
“Being mindful of the past, present and the future consequences on Naga generations, we have opted despite some reservations to heed to the call of the Nagas to give peace a chance. Our decision to give peace a chance emanates from most of the Nagas appealing and yearning for peace which has been absent spanning across decades and generations,” president of the NSCN/GPRN Gen. (Retired) Niki Sumi stated.
He acknowledged the overwhelming love and support shown by all the Nagas towards the common cause, adding that they have always derived fortitude and resilience through trials and tribulations with God’s mercy and the support from the Naga people.
Sumi felt that they owed an explanation to the people on the present circumstances surrounding the political stance of their party and government. He cited 16 point agreement of 1960, six rounds of talks in 1966, Shillong Accord of 1975, and 1988 NSCN/GPRN split due to miscommunication and misunderstanding about the Indian government's open door policy for talks.
He lamented that every agreement or political talks had only ominously paved the way for more bloodshed among Nagas, thus further weakening and creating more division among the Nagas.
Sumi said he couldn’t unilaterally go against the wishes and aspirations of the people. He added that their decision to give peace a chance could hurt or let-down the sentiments of a few but said it was never his intention. He, therefore, requested all to introspect on the wishes and aspirations of the Naga people for peace.
Nagaland Gaon Bura Federation (NGBF) and the Central Nagaland Tribes Council (CNTC) have appreciated both the government of India under the leadership of the prime minister, Narendra Modi, and the National Socialist Council of Nagaland under the leadership of its president, General (retired), Nikhui (Niki) Sumi, and the general secretary, Starson Lamkang, for ceasing hostilities and entering the negotiations.
The NGBF congratulated Sumi and Lamkang for having the wisdom to realise that there is a limit to what an armed conflict can achieve, while it also expressed gratitude for the magnanimity expressed by Modi and the government of India in welcoming the former to the negotiating table.
The NGBF president Shalem Konyak and the general secretary Shikuto Zalipu expressed hope that the new development in the Indo-Naga story would be a giant step forward in resolving differences and come to a lasting agreement between the Naga people and the people of India.
Meanwhile, in a separate statement, the CNTC lauded NSCN/GPRN for paying heed to the call of the people and expressed hope that the long-awaited Indo-Naga political solution would be obtained in a short span of time.
CNTC president, Lanu Imchen, and the vice president, Hukiye K Yepthomi, further urged the government of India and its esteemed leaders to be earnest in their efforts towards finding an honourable and acceptable solution to the vexed Naga political issue.