No alignment with NNPGs or Agreed Position, Niki-led NSCN clarifies

DIMAPUR — The NSCN/GPRN led by Niki Sümi has clarified that it has no alignment with the Naga National Political Groups (NNPGs) or their “Agreed Position,” distancing itself from a statement the WC-NNPG issued on Sep. 1 in connection with the summons served to Sümi and his family.

In a statement issued by its Ministry of Information and Publicity (MIP), the NSCN/GPRN said the NNPGs’ press release about Niki Sümi “should not be misconstrued in any way as being on the same page” with its own political stance. It maintained that the group remains “neutral and equidistant from the Framework Agreement and the Agreed Position.”

On Monday, the WC-NNPG had condemned the summons issued by a Special Court under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) to Niki Sümi, his wife and relatives, describing it as a “deliberate criminalisation of the Naga political issue.”

Also read: WC-NNPG term PMLA summons to Niki Sümi ‘unacceptable’

The NSCN/GPRN, however, underlined that while it rejected attempts at “character assassination” by the government of India, its position on the political talks remained distinct.

“Naga political rights cannot be erased or bullied into submission. History is a testament to the resilience of the Nagas,” the statement read.

Accusing the Centre of relying on a “carrot and stick” approach, the group asserted that such policies would only strengthen their resolve to “fight back tooth and nail for our historical and political rights.”

The NSCN/GPRN said it has sworn a “sacred oath to the Almighty God, to protect and defend the Nagas,” and would not succumb to “cheap gimmicks” by the government of India. It reaffirmed its commitment to a political settlement that is inclusive of all stakeholders.