NPF reacts to GPRN/NSCN (U), defends Kaito Aye’s statement

DIMAPUR, MAY 21 (NPN): The Naga People’s Front (NPF) has issued a rejoinder to the recent statement by GPRN/NSCN (U), clarifying that minister for Roads & Bridges, G. Kaito Aye’s remarks at the Sumi Kükami Hoho (SKH) general conference were made in the context of the Sumi community and not against the Naga national movement.
In a press statement issued through its Press Bureau, NPF said the minister’s remarks concerning village chieftains were intended as “a call to preserve the sanctity of traditional institutions.”
The party stated that village chieftains were custodians of Naga traditions and cultural heritage, and that their direct involvement with any particular group could imperil the social fabric they were duty-bound to protect.
The party said it held the institution of village chiefs in the highest esteem and acknowledged their historical role in Naga society. However, NPF maintained that chiefs were trustees of the people, not of any one group and that their moral authority was strengthened when they rose above factional lines.
On the ongoing Naga political talks, NPF stated that the negotiations were between the Government of India and Naga political groups, and that the State government was not a negotiating party. It said chief minister Dr. Neiphiu Rio’s views on appointing a political-level interlocutor reflected concern for expediting the peace process and were consistent with the resolution adopted during the Naga Consultative Meeting held on September 12, 2024.
According to NPF, the meeting attended by tribal hohos, Naga civil society organisations, intellectuals, elected members and MPs had unanimously appealed to the Centre to appoint an interlocutor of political/ministerial level with the confidence and mandate of the Government of India. To misread such views as contradictory is to obfuscate the collective sentiment of Naga stakeholders, the party stated.
NPF further said that although negotiations were declared concluded in 2021, an honourable solution was yet to be arrived at, which necessitated continued engagement at all levels.
NPF said it recognised the sensitivities surrounding nomenclature and had consistently used the term “Naga Political Groups” in official communications and on the floor of the Assembly, while maintaining that terminology should unite rather than divide. The party reiterated that the paramount objective remained an honourable and inclusive solution to the Naga political issue, which it said was above party politics.
NPF further urged all stakeholders to avoid public exchanges that could create confusion among the Naga people at a critical juncture, and stressed that the need of the hour was unity of purpose, clarity of position and sincerity of effort towards an early honourable solution.