Dimapur, April 21 (MExN): The Working Committee of the Naga National Political Groups (WC, NNPGs) on April 21 expressed dismay at the “influx of habitual defectors into Niki Sumi's group” and called for their return to their respective organisations within one week.
It appreciated the Gen Niki Sumi-led group for heeding to the call of the people for one solution, and also noted the group is prepared to accept and honour the impending Indo-Naga solution. In this regard, the WC, NNPGs urged Gen Niki Sumi to relieve all defectors belonging to seven NNPG groups from assignments and send them back to their respective parent organisations.
“WC, NNPGs recognises only those national workers numbering hundred or so who came over from Myanmar with Gen Niki Sumi,” it stated and asserted that all defectors must return to respective organisations within a week. It also pointed out that it is also the moral and ethical duty of all political leaders, tribal and community leaders and families to encourage and recall defectors to rejoin parent groups. “Defection is anti-Naga act at this juncture and will be treated accordingly,” the WC, NNPGs stated on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, it appealed Gen Niki Sumi's group “to desist from burdening Naga public with tax demands through threats and intimidations,” alleging that the group was reportedly “being treated cordially with all daily expenses and basic amenities by Indian security forces and state government with direct orders from MHA…” The WC, NNPGs opined that it is time for all groups to reason, reassess and forge a path to common future. “It is not a time to pull a political stunt, create fear psychosis and indulge in rampant taxation,” it asserted.
Seeks public cooperation
Meanwhile, the WC, NNPGs also sought cooperation from the Naga people regarding the Indo-Naga political settlement.
It cited the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, and its resurgence in 2021, the ongoing farmer's stir in the Indian capital and the elections in various Indian states as reasons for denting the hope for an early signing of the Indo-Naga political settlement.
However, it assured that “there is a strong undercurrent within the corridors of power in New Delhi…”
“The recognition and restoration of Naga historical position and principled stand, restructuring and reform of political and administrative landscape which is honourable and acceptable will take place on the basis of Agreed Position signed on 17th Nov. 2017,” it claimed. This will be announced and implemented through mutually agreed Political Agreement between Nagas and Government of India (GoI), it stated.
It further expressed belief that the days of propaganda have been replaced by hard facts and practical route for solution. All major and minor Naga tribes as well as village chieftains and GBs in towns, also the indigenous non-Naga communities, have crystal clear understanding of the position of the GoI vis-a-vis the Status Paper of WC, NNPGs, which was shared with Naga tribes and apex civil societies, it stated.
From the signing of Agreed Position on November 17, 2017 and from day one of the negotiations, Indo-Naga political issue encompassed Naga inhabited areas in the Indian states of Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam and in Myanmar, it clarified.
The neighbouring communities have been consulted on the impending solution. There should be no confusion whatsoever, the WC, NNPGs asserted.
It further expressed concern at the ‘dubious narrative’ from ‘unmandated elements’ alleging that they “continue to throng regional TV debates to stay relevant,” and cautioned Nagas to stay alert against such narrators.
The WC, NNPGs appealed all Nagas to be steadfast physically, morally and spiritually.
