Newly-elected president of the breakaway NSCN (K) group, ‘gen.’ (retd) Niki Sumi, who had recently decided to revive the ceasefire with the Government of India (GoI) after having unilaterally abrogated it in 2015, asserted that any final settlement offered by the Centre should have the people’s consent and that people’s representatives in hohos and tribal organisations should also be signatories to avoid repeat of the past errors on accountability.
He said this while addressing a huge crowd that gathered to accord a grand ceremonial welcome to him on his arrival at his native Surumi village on Thursday, six years after he had left the same place when late SS Khaplang-led NSCN (K) abrogated the ceasefire with Centre in 2015.
Niki recalled that his group had abrogated the ceasefire in 2015 citing Centre’s “insincerity” in finding a solution to the decades-old Naga political issue.
He clarified that it was not in his interest to rejoin the negotiating table. But upon pleas and requests from various Naga tribal leaders and also the Centre’s stance on an “inclusive and one solution” for the Nagas, he said his conscience gave in to respond to this call.
Claiming that the goal of Naga Independence was always in his thoughts, he hoped that he would be the last man standing in this pursuit.
With the Naga people desiring peace and settlement, he said he felt that his group should not be a stumbling block towards “an inclusive and one solution” proposed by the Centre and therefore decided to return to the negotiating table.
Niki admitted that the past Naga accords, including the 16 Point Agreement that led to the formation of Nagaland, had “good points” that could have been advantageous for Nagas. He however lamented that Nagas spoke in different tunes regarding these accords with condemnations and even killings of some signatories.
He claimed that Nagas were still enjoying the benefits of these accords, but due to issues within Naga family “vital points” in these agreements could not be implemented.
Niki clarified that he was not against the demands of NSCN (I-M) or WC/NNPGs at the present juncture, stressing that he desired that Nagas should be beneficiaries of these demands.
He said the impending solution, no matter how big or small, should be “wholly” for the Nagas and implemented for their benefit.
Niki emphasised that time has come for each and every Naga to shed “isms” among the tribes and “favoritism” among Naga political groups and work towards reconciliation to arrive at a common platform.
In his short speech, Sumi Hoho president Hekhushe Shikhu acknowledged the NSCN (K) president for “sincerely” listening to the voice of the people and hoped his return to the negotiating table would boost efforts by various Naga civil society groups towards an “inclusive solution”.
Nagaland Tribes Council president Toniho Yepthomi, also present, said the return of Niki Sumi came at a time when Nagas and GoI desired a settlement of the Naga issue. He said New Delhi had set the most opportune time for India’s most wanted person to join the mainstream, adding that the “right time” was almost near.
A short speech was also delivered by SAGBA president Tovishe Chophy.
Chaired by SAPO president Hokuto Jakhalu, the programme began with an invocation prayer by pastor Peka Zhimo and ended with a benediction by pastor Vinato Assumi.
Earlier, the convoy of Niki Sumi was greeted by school children carrying placards, women and villagers, all of whom lined up the roadside from Suruhuto town till the village to welcome him.