DIMAPUR, June 10: General (Retd.) Niki Sumi, President of the NSCN-K (Niki) faction, has strongly voiced concerns over the ongoing stalemate in the Indo-Naga political dialogue, citing deep-rooted disunity and widespread corruption as major obstacles to a meaningful solution.
Addressing a press conference in Dimapur on June 9, Sumi reflected on the current fractured state of Naga politics, stressing that despite years of efforts by the Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR) to bring various Naga Political Groups (NPGs) together, true unity remains elusive. He acknowledged the FNR’s crucial role in reducing bloodshed and fostering dialogue but expressed doubts about the long-term success of these reconciliatory efforts.
Sumi criticized not only the NPGs but also the “overground” socio-political bodies—including tribal hohos, civil societies, and elected representatives—for failing to translate commitments into action. He pointed out the Eastern Nagaland Peoples’ Organisation’s (ENPO) slogan, “Unity first, solution second,” as positive rhetoric undermined by their absence from key pan-Naga meetings, calling on them to actively participate in the dialogue process.
Highlighting corruption as a pervasive threat, Sumi said that political factions, civil society organizations, and governance structures alike suffer from dishonesty and financial exploitation. He was particularly critical of the Working Committee of Naga National Political Groups (WC-NNPGs), accusing them of undermining unity by independently collecting taxes and sabotaging the Framework Agreement through the controversial Agreed Position (AP), which he claims was engineered by the Government of India to divide the Naga movement.
Sumi expressed skepticism over the legitimacy of the AP, given recent splits among its signatories, questioning on what basis they claim to have concluded political talks. He also alleged that some tribal leaders supported the AP for personal political gain, such as MLA or MP nominations.
Turning to the intellectual community, Sumi urged Naga scholars and youth leaders to move beyond historical debates and focus on pragmatic solutions that address present challenges. He rejected the notion that younger generations are disengaged, instead asserting that they remain committed to the Naga cause and will seek sovereignty in their own way and time.
In conclusion, Sumi reiterated that his group stands independent of both the Framework Agreement and the Agreed Position, but supports the Government of India’s current call for one inclusive solution—provided it covers all Naga-inhabited areas and truly represents the Naga people’s collective will.
