Naga Unity Crucial for Resolving Decades-Old Conflict, Says Niki Sumi

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In a call to action, Niki Sumi, leader of the NSCN Niki group, emphasized the need for Naga unity and the unification of major apex bodies to resolve the decades-long Naga political issue. Speaking at the Ceasefire Supervisory Board office in Dimapur, Sumi highlighted the divisions within Naga political groups and civil society, which he believes contribute to the rise of factions. Sumi stressed that the government's policy of prolonging the issue is unlikely to succeed, as the Naga people are not naive. He accused some Naga leaders of deceiving people about their dealings with New Delhi, claiming that many leaders are 'managed by Indian intelligence agencies to sow discord.' Sumi drew a sharp contrast between the Naga National Political Groups' approach and the NSCN-IM's Framework Agreement, arguing that the insistence on a flag and a constitution is contradictory without 'integration' – the unification of Naga-inhabited areas in Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh, and Assam with Nagaland. He questioned the contents of the Framework Agreement signed with the Centre in 2015, urging intellectuals and the public to read both agreements without emotion and 'accept the reality.' Sumi's comments signal a push for a conclusion to the conflict, prioritizing immediate political settlement over prolonged ideological standoffs. The Centre and NSCN-IM entered into a ceasefire in 1997, beginning negotiations for a political resolution to the long-standing conflict. After more than 70 rounds of talks, the Centre signed the Framework Agreement with NSCN-IM in 2015. However, the Centre has not accepted NSCN-IM's persistent demand for a separate flag and constitution for the Nagas, leading to prolonged negotiations. The Centre also entered into parallel negotiations with the WC NNPGs, a coalition of seven Naga groups, in 2017.