‘Naga issue too serious to be left to political groups alone’
The Naga National Political Groups (NNPGs) reaffirmed their stance on unity and the Agreed Position with the Government of India during a press conference held today. Wangtin Naga, President of GPRN/NSCN (R), strongly asserted that there is only one legitimate NNPG, rejecting the factional divisions that have emerged in recent times.
“There are two, but according to us, there is only one NNPG,” Wangtin Naga said, referring to the leadership dispute following the impeachment of N. Kitovi Zhimomi by NSCN (U). “Even Kitovi is part of NNPG. We have signed one Agreed Position. The position we have taken will continue. It cannot be changed. It will never change.”
He clarified that once Kitovi was impeached by his government, he ceased to be a member of NNPG. “We have tried our best that he should not form a new group, but he has formed a group on his own. This is very unfortunate,” Wangtin stated, adding that NNPG had even offered Kitovi an advisory role, which he declined.
Col (Retd) Isak Sumi emphasized that the ongoing changes in the NNPG leadership structure do not impact the fundamental goal of implementing the Agreed Position. “It is not a question of a new Working Committee. It is a continuous process,” he stated.
Sumi also noted that all Naga political groups engaged in the peace process are stakeholders and must maintain decorum. “Minor differences will be there, but that is within the family. Our concern is the Agreed Position,” he added.
Highlighting the past negotiations, he revealed that the Government of India had already set a date for the conclusion of talks—October 30, 2019—but the process remains unfinished. “If the GoI invites us again, all of us will go,” Sumi stated, calling for a collective effort from both Naga political groups and the public.
The NNPG leaders also addressed concerns about the Indo-Myanmar border fencing, which they believe will divide Naga communities. Gen. (Retd) MB Neokpao, President of GPRN/NSCN (U), firmly stated, “We will not allow the fencing to take place because it will divide between brothers, sisters, kins, and family.”
Sumi added that the existing Free Movement Regime (FMR), which allows limited cross-border movement, is insufficient. He stated that under the Agreed Position, the NNPGs have proposed an extension of the FMR to 36 km instead of the current 16 km. “Once the Agreed Position is implemented, the controversy of border fencing will not arise,” he assured.
P. Tikhak Naga, Ato Kilonser of GPRN/NSCN (Reformation), reiterated the importance of unity among Nagas, saying, “Unless we put in a collective effort, the Naga political issue will not be resolved. It involves everyone who is a Naga. We need to take care of everybody—southern, eastern, Assam.”
Sumi also urged the Naga people to evaluate who is truly working for the Naga cause. “In a prolonged struggle, with so many external forces working, splinter groups will emerge. But it’s time for Nagas to seriously contemplate who is working for real and who is not,” he said.
“Not only the Naga political group, but the Naga people should also take it seriously and understand that Naga issue is too serious to leave it to the Naga political groups alone,” Sumi added.
On the role of State Government, Alezo Venuh, GPRN/NSCN (U) Ato Kilonser, “Since October 31, 2019, and even before that, the Working Committee has met them many times and shared the roadmap.
The Government of Nagaland is still aware. On our part, we have requested the Government of Nagaland to take responsibility. It is high time the state government, led by Chief Minister Rio, takes charge of the decision”.
“State government is a subsidiary of the Central government,” Sumi added. “The 60 MLAs are all Nagas by blood, so we are hopeful that they are genuinely concerned. It is also their responsibility to provide proper feedback to the Government of India and stress the urgency of a solution.”