‘Gen (Rtd)’ Niki lauds FNR; criticizes CSOs for inaction

‘General (Retd.)’ Niki Sumi, President of NSCN/GPRN (Niki-led), has praised the Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR) for its pivotal role in fostering peace and building better relationships among the various Naga Political Groups (NPGs).
Addressing a press conference at Hotel Saramati on Monday, Niki highlighted that despite decades of conflict and sacrifice, notable progress has been achieved in recent years, particularly in reducing violence and improving inter-group relations. He attributed this positive shift to FNR’s tireless reconciliation efforts and urged Nagas to remain grateful for its role in transforming the political landscape.
He revealed that 13 reconciliation meetings had taken place so far among NPGs, which, he said, had significantly benefited the Naga people. However, Niki did not shy away from criticizing Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), accusing them of failing to act on their repeated calls for unity. “I have not seen any frontal organization keeping up to their words,” he remarked, noting that even overground organizations had failed to unite.
While acknowledging the Eastern Naga People’s Organization (ENPO)’s “unity first, solution second” position, Niki criticized their lack of participation in reconciliation meetings. He also appealed to Naga intellectuals to shift their focus from historical grievances to addressing present-day needs, urging them to unite and, if necessary, issue ultimatums to NPGs on the steps to be taken for the future.
On corruption, Niki observed that it was widespread-not just within NPGs, but also in the state government, village councils, and even informal groups like the “Coconut Union.” Turning to the ongoing political dialogue, he commended the Government of India’s approach towards an inclusive solution and emphasized the need for unity among all NPGs, regardless of factional identities labeled as “R,” “P,” or “Q.”
Niki also criticized the Naga National Political Groups (NNPGs) for continuing to collect taxes separately while supposedly negotiating under a unified banner.
“If they want Agreed Position under the banner of NNPGs, why are they still collecting tax under different governments? Is it not corruption?” he questioned. He expressed concern over the recent split within the Working Committee of NNPGs and questioned the legitimacy and ownership of the Agreed Position, stating that many Nagas remain confused.
He further questioned the claim that talks with the Government of India had concluded, pointing to the continued proliferation of new NPG factions as evidence to the contrary. He attributed the fragmentation to a lack of understanding of socialist governance, criticizing factions for merely copying democratic models without embracing socialist principles. He urged all NSCN groups to study the socialist constitution, suggesting that ignorance of it was a root cause for the divisions.
While making a strong appeal, Niki declared that the involvement of the state government is essential for achieving an inclusive solution. He proposed that the state government convene all NPGs and civil society groups to push for unity and draft a common resolution. He reiterated that his group, NSCN/GPRN (Niki-led), is aligned with the Government of India’s call for inclusivity, while distancing itself from both the NSCN (I-M)’s Framework Agreement and the WC NNPGs’ Agreed Position.
Niki emphasized that any lasting solution must include Nagas from all regions, not just Nagaland. He also addressed criticism of Naga youth, arguing that they remain committed to the cause and will be essential to any future Naga governance. “No youth has asked for the fight to stop,” he stated, urging NPG leaders to stop focusing on perceived youth weaknesses.
When asked about the recent merger of the Naga National Political Alliance (NNPA) with Kitovi-led NNPGs,Niki pointed out that most NNPA leaders were formerly members and signatories of the WC NNPGs.