The Working Committee of the Naga National Political Groups (WC NNPGs) has strongly opposed the summoning of Gen. (Retd.) Niki Sümi, his wife Shelly Sümi, and their relatives by a Special Court under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) at Cheirap Court Complex, Imphal West.
The summons, issued for September 26, 2025, were described by the WC, NNPGs as “a deliberate criminalization of Naga political issue and is therefore unacceptable.”
In a press release, the WC NNPGs stated that 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,” the statement read. It further alleged that anti-Naga elements are working at the behest of Indian agencies 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,” the WC NNPGs stated.
The WC NNPGs stated that, despite internal differences, Nagas share a common aspiration to resolve the conflict through an honourable and inclusive political settlement. Although Gen. Niki Sümi is not a direct negotiating entity, the WC recognized his role as an important stakeholder in the process.
“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,” it stated.
Recalling key milestones in Naga political history, including the 1929 Simon Commission memorandum, the 1947 declaration of Naga Independence, and the 1951 plebiscite, the WC NNPGs argued that the political rights of Nagas were asserted long before India’s legal frameworks were applied to the region.
“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,” the WC NNPGs stated.
It also referred to a provision in the Status Paper stipulating the withdrawal of “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.”
The WC NNPGs further stated that the “GoI has acknowledged Naga history and identity and Nagas too have acknowledged the contemporary political realities” and that “both have negotiated for an enduring, harmonious peaceful coexistence.”
WC Convener N Kitovi Zhimomi and Co-Conveners urged that such legal actions against key figures jeopardize the prospects of a peaceful and honourable resolution, calling on all stakeholders to respect the spirit of the ongoing political process.
“It is not in the interest of the GoI nor the Nagas to summon Naga revolutionary leaders at this hour,” the WC NNPGs concluded.