“If three entities come together, there will be one solution”: Niki Sumi
DIMAPUR, SEPTEMBER 20: The NSCN/GPRN (Niki Sumi) today made it clear that it stands for “inclusive one solution” for the vexed Indo-Naga political issue.
Interacting with media persons here at Hotel Saramati, NSCN/GPRN President, Niki Sumi said that when RN Ravi was there as the Interlocutor, Framework Agreement was signed between Government of India and the NSCN (IM) and the Agreed Position between GoI and NNPGs, but it has reached a deadlock. He said people expected that there would be inclusive one solution.
Commenting on the reported appointment of AK Mishra as ‘interlocutor’, Sumi said he can’t say whether his (Mishra’s) appointment will be good or bad for the Naga peace talks, but added that to solve the Naga issue, there should be “inclusive one solution”. “We expect that that there will be inclusive one solution. We don’t say that Ravi could not have achieved but there has been a mistake…for Naga political issue, there is a Framework Agreement and again another Agreed Position with two different groups ~ that is why it has been deadlocked”, he said.
He further said that Government of India has always pressed for ‘inclusive one solution’ and hoped that the new ‘interlocutor’ will pursue the same, which would be good for the Nagas.
Terming the NSCN/GPRN, led by him, as the “third entity”, apart from NSCN (IM) and NNPGs, who are in talks with the Government of India, Niki Sumi said they will work with the people. “We are not against the Framework Agreement or the Agreed Position. Naga people will only see what is Agreed Position and Framework Agreement…what we need…it is through NSCN (K) we will provide inputs and if it is done, we will be able to achieve ‘inclusive one solution’. But being a separate entity, if I put another four demands, just image how many problems will be created”, he said.
He further said if the Government of India is sincere in what they say about inclusive one solution, there is no need for an Agreed Position or the Framework Agreement, to bring “inclusive one solution” to solve the Naga issue. “If you want one solution, then all the three entities (NSCN-IM, NNPGs and NSCN-K) should come together.
He said as far as the position of his group is concerned, it will go to the Naga people and ask what they want and then move forward accordingly.
Designated camps
On establishment of designated camps for NSCN/GPRN, Niki said that Government of India has revived the ceasefire with them and has also given the designated camp at Suruhoto, which they are occupying presently. He also hoped that GoI may allocate more designated camps.
When asked about their camps in Manipur, Niki said that since the jurisdiction of ceasefire is only in Nagaland, they have camps in Manipur and Arunachal with internal understandings. He also hoped that they will have camps in those States.
When pointed out that Manipur has been the stronghold of NSCN (IM) and ZUF, the NSCN/GPRN president admitted that and said they have their stronghold in Chandel and Senapati district from before and it has been going on. However, he said whether it is ZUF, NSCN (IM) or them, since there is no ceasefire in Manipur, they cannot expose their cadres. He also said that for many years there have been no factional clashes, as most of the organizations have entered into ceasefire and are having talks with Government of India. “We don’t have any misunderstanding. We are just waiting for a solution”, he said.
Dissolve Assembly for Naga political issue
Reacting to the recent formation of an ‘opposition-less government’ in Nagaland, Niki said if they had formed the opposition-less government for Naga political issue, then it would have been better…Naga people have different factions….when they had come for dialogue, it would have been sincere for them to dissolved the State Assembly.
“…if we truthfully talk about Nagaland political issue, the problem lies with having three entities. If they become one and start political dialogue with Government of India, the State Government will not interfere and keep quiet”, he said.
Whether NSCN/GPRN will join NSCN (IM) or NNPGs?
When asked whether NSCN/GPRN will join NSCN (IM) or NNPGs in future, Niki said before entering into ceasefire, the NSCN (IM) and NNPGs had started dialogue with the Government of India. They should first unite and bring about a solution first, he said. “Now when NSCN (K) has entered into ceasefire, why should people ask them to join NNPGs or NSCN (IM). If I join NNPGs, NSCN (IM) will be there and if I join NSCN (IM), NNPGs will be there. Is it not better to ask all three entities to join together?” he said.
“If three entities come together, there will be one solution”, reiterated adding, “I stand for this.”
When asked whether the leaders of three entities have decided to meet, Niki said that the original status of the political groups was the demand for sovereignty but it no longer exists. He said those in talks with the Government of India are having talks under Indian Constitution, adding sovereignty and integration have been dropped from the agenda.
He said when the original issues of sovereignty and integrations have been dropped, they should they have differences. “If three entities come together, we can achieve one solution”, he reiterated. He also asked the people to put pressure on Government of India to bring all the three entities together for one inclusive solution.
Flag & Constitution
When asked whether the NSCN/GPRN also demands for Flag & Constitution just like the NSCN (IM), Niki said they are not against the flag and constitution but added that his groups would go to the Naga people and respect their view before taking any decision.
He also said that Naga people and political parties are equally responsible for delay in Naga solution. He said some people support Framework Agreement while some support the Agreed Position, which has created lots of problems.
Taxation
On taxation by the underground groups, Niki Sumi clarified that unless the Naga political problem is solved, how can their government function without taxes. He, however, admitted that business community is suffering from tax collection, but said it is not only the political groups but even the overground people are collecting taxes.
(Page News Service)
