Time to shift focus from past to future, says Niki Sumi

• DIMAPUR — The president of NSCN-K (Niki), Gen. (Retd.) Niki Sumi, on Monday shared his views on a wide range of subjects, vis-à-vis the state of Naga people and their ongoing political movement.

Niki Sumi addressing a press conference in Dimapur on Monday. (EM Images)

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• Addressing a press conference at Hotel Saramati in Dimapur, Sumi spoke at length about the current state and progress of the Naga political issue, identifying key weaknesses and instances of corruption.
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• On the role of Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR), Sumi acknowledged its significant contribution to reducing internal bloodshed among the Nagas and unifying various Naga political groups.
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• While commending the 13 reconciliation meetings organised jointly by FNR and Naga Shisha Hoho, he said that it was still too early to predict whether they would ultimately succeed. Only time will tell, he remarked.
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• Sumi expressed concern that despite repeated public declarations by Naga frontal organisations about the need for unity; these commitments are rarely followed up with action. This, he said, is a major reason why unity remains elusive among Nagas.

• According to him, if Nagas truly desire unity, then any initiative aimed at uniting the people should be fully supported by all. He reminded that the responsibility for unity does not lie solely with political groups but also with civil society and frontal organisations.

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• Addressing the Eastern Nagaland People’s Organisation’s (ENPO) slogan of “unity first, solution second,” Sumi said that while the message is strong, ENPO’s absence from key Naga issue-related meetings is troubling.
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• He urged the ENPO to actively participate in dialogues and share their views, even if they disagree with others.
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• Turning to the role of Naga intellectuals, Sumi argued that their persistent focus on recounting the past must shift to offering practical solutions in the present.

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• Stating that the history of NSCN is well-documented, he asserted that now is the time to stop revisiting the past and start guiding the future.
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• On corruption, Sumi stated that the problem is pervasive in Nagaland—cutting across political parties, state departments, village councils, self-help groups, and even cultural and tribal organisations.
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• Warning that many groups are formed solely for financial gains, he urged the Naga public and the leaders to reflect on this growing concern.
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• Regarding the government of India, Sumi said that despite signing the Framework Agreement and the Agreed Position, no resolution has been achieved. As a result, the Centre now insists on an “inclusive, one-solution” approach.
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• He explained that while the government of India once recognised NSCN (IM) and NSCN (K), the subsequent formation of the Working Committee of NNPGs (WC-NNPGs) was meant to represent a unified front. However, the different groups began collecting taxes independently, defeating the purpose of unity.
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• He alleged that the Agreed Position signed with the seven NNPGs was a strategic move by the Centre as a means to sabotage the Framework Agreement.
  
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• Additionally, he questioned whether the Agreed Position belongs to Kitovi or Neokpao. He urged everyone to reflect on the corruption within political groups.
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• He also claimed that some Naga tribal leaders supported the Agreed Position based on promises of political nominations as MLAs or MPs.
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• Sumi said that instead of implementing the Agreed Position, the emergence of more factions has further fragmented the Naga political landscape. He also challenged those who criticise underground leaders anonymously on social media, demanding they identify themselves if they wish to debate him at a personal or organisational level.
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• On why so many factions exist, Sumi explained that NSCN was originally a socialist organisation with a strict constitution, manifesto, and leadership structure.
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• The formation of multiple factions, he said, is the result of poor understanding and violation of those foundational principles. He explained that in a socialist model, the president is the supreme commander. It contradicts the system when secretaries or prime ministers attempt to impeach the president, he added.
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• He compared the NNC’s federal structure to the American model, where the president is the supreme authority, stating that had the NNC accepted Adino as their leader, they might have retained greater influence.
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• Sumi also clarified that the NSCN/GPRN had been using the term “People’s Army of Nagaland” (PAN) since the 1980s and said the recent use of “Naga Army” has led to unnecessary confusion.
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• Speaking about the role of the Indian government, Sumi alleged that New Delhi had benefitted from the proliferation of factions but warned that it may eventually struggle to negotiate with so many fragmented voices. Perhaps things would have been simpler when there were fewer groups, he said.
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• Suggesting a way forward, he proposed that the state government take the initiative to call all political groups and frontal organisations for a common platform to discuss a unified draft and shared objectives. If the government of India disagrees with the Naga united voice, at least Nagas would have clarity and strength in numbers, he asserted.
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• Citing the failures of past efforts like the Shillong Accord, Framework Agreement, and Agreed Position, Sumi reiterated that true inclusivity must involve political groups, frontal organisations, and the government of India.
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• His group, Niki clarified, is not aligned with either of the agreements but stands by the Centre’s latest call for an “inclusive, one-solution” approach, which must cover all Naga-inhabited areas.
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• Addressing the youth, Sumi dismissed the notion that the younger generation is disinterested in the Naga political movement. He argued that no student body or youth organisation has asked to surrender the Naga political cause.
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• The next generation may fight for sovereignty in their own way and at their own time; Naga leaders must not underestimate them, he asserted.