The summon orders served against gen. (Retd.) Niki Sümi, his wife Shelly Sümi and relatives, by Special Court invoking Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) at the Cheirap Court Complex, Imphal West, on September 26, 2025, to answer charges, is a deliberate criminalization of Naga political issue and is therefore unacceptable.
It is wrong to enforce Indian judiciary system and jurisprudence against the Naga revolutionary leaders when political deliberations are on for a possible solution. It is very unfortunate. A grim reminder that the GoI has no political will to solve the decades old Indo-Naga issue. There are numbers of anti-Naga elements working at the behest of Indian agencies, demeaning, pushing hard to distort historical facts and erase Naga history. Their identities are on the table however, this is a time to find solution to Indo-Naga issue, not go after individuals propagating Anti-Naga agendas.
Regardless of the differences among the groups, Nagas are related by blood, land and common desire to resolve the issue. WC, NNPGs and GoI are two separate entities and have agreed to resolve the Indo-Naga political conflict through honourable, acceptable and an inclusive solution. Although not a negotiating entity Gen. Niki Sümi is an important stakeholder.
Defending Naga history and identity is every Nagas’ birthright. The pioneering Naga political leaders did not require any consent from any power when they wrote to British Simon Commission on Jan. 10, 1929, to be left alone in their own genius as in ancient times. Nagas did not require the consent of any power when Naga Independence was declared on 14th August 1947. Nagas did not require the consent of any power when they conducted Naga plebiscite on 16th May 1951.
Aware of these political values, the GOI invited the WC, NNPGs to New Delhi and Agreed Position was signed on 17th Nov. 2017, after which the political negotiations went on for two years, successfully concluded on 31st October 2019.
In the STATUS PAPER SL. 15, there is a clause under ENDING ALL HOSTILITIES, “All criminal and other proceedings initiated against Naga Revolutionary Cadres, political and civil society members, religious institutions and public servants whatsoever in connection with the Naga Revolutionary Freedom Movement shall be quashed/withdrawn…”
GoI has acknowledged Naga history and identity and Nagas too have acknowledged the contemporary political realities and while both have negotiated for an enduring, harmonious peaceful coexistence, the WC, NNPG Convener, N.KitoviZhimomi and all Co-Conveners believe it is not in the interest of the GoI nor the Nagas, to summon Naga revolutionary leaders at this hour.
Media Cell
WC, NNPGs
Monday, April 13, 2026