NSCN/GPRN president Nikki Sumi (centre) along with other leaders of the group on September 20.
Morung Express News
Dmapur | September 20
NSCN/GPRN president Nikki Sumi has said the onus of bringing about an “inclusive solution” to the protracted Naga political issue lies with the Naga people.
Nikki said it is only the Naga people as a whole who can “dictate” or guide the three Naga groups—the NSCN (IM), 7 Naga National Political Groups (NNPGs) and NSCN/GPRN (Nikki) to come together and hammer out differences for one and inclusive solution.
Addressing media persons here at Hotel Saramati on Monday, the NSCN/GPRN president said his group was neither against the ‘Framework Agreement’ (FA) or ‘Agreed Position’ (AP) signed between the Government of India and NSCN (IM) and 7 NNPGs respectively.
Nikki also clarified that there was no point for the NSCN/GPRN to put up its own list of demands or points like the FA and AP.
“We, as the third entity which has come into ceasefire with GoI will listen to the wishes of the Naga people. It is for the Naga people to decide whatever points to choose from the FA or AP. If the Naga people feel that some points or aspirations are missing in the two agreements, than we will press for those issues or demands as desired by the people,” he said.
On the possible replacement of RN Ravi by AK Mishra as Interlocutor to the Naga Peace Talks, Nikki said his group expects that the GoI would initiate an “inclusive and one solution” through the new interlocutor. While Mishra reached Nagaland on September 18 to hold separate meetings with the NSCN (IM) and 7 NNPGs, Nikki said that as of now, the NSCN/GPRN has no scheduled meeting with the new GoI representative.
On allotment of designated camps for the group, he said the NSCN/GPRN has asked for re-allocation of all designated camps before abrogation of ceasefire by the group in 2015. The NSCN/GPRN also dismissed apprehension of the group coming into conflict with other Naga groups in Manipur including NSCN (IM) and Zeliangrong Youth Front. He claimed that the NSCN/GPRN has still strong presence in Tamenglong and Chandel districts of Manipur and with the other Naga groups also on the negotiating table with GoI, chances of factional clashes were unlikely.
Briefly addressing the decision of the state political parties to form an opposition-less government in Nagaland, Nikki said such exercise would be futile as long as the Naga Political Groups do not come together to the same negotiating table.
On the issue of multiple taxations, Nikki said no government or movement can survive without tax or donation. The issue of taxation is complex and that state government agencies and departments are also part of the multiple taxation, he said, while claiming that a chunk of the taxation are pocketed by government departments or agencies including business bodies. “However, the Naga political groups always get the blame,” he added.
NSCN/GPRN MIP kilonser-cum-Ceasefire Supervisory Board (CFSB) supervisor, Nikato Pilot Sumi and kilonser Abel Zingrü Thuer also attended the press conference.
