WC of Naga National Political Groups asks defectors to return within one week

Dimapur, April 21 (EMN): The working committee of Naga National Political Groups (WC-NNPG) on Wednesday expressed dismay over the alleged “influx of habitual defectors” into the NSCN (K) group led by Niki Sumi and asked the latter to send them back to their respective parent organisations.

While lauding the group led by Sumi for heeding the call of the people for one solution to the impending Indo-Naga issue, the WC-NNPG, in a press release, asked him to relieve all the defectors belonging to seven NNPG from assignments and send them back to their respective parent organisations “in the interest of the Nagas”.

Stating that it recognises only the members who came over from Myanmar with Gen. Niki Sumi, it asked all the defectors to return within a week.

“It is also the moral and ethical duty of all political leaders, tribal and community leaders and families to encourage and recall defectors to rejoin parent groups. Defection is anti-Naga act at this juncture and will be treated accordingly,” the press release read.

The working committee went on to appeal to Sumi’s group to “desist from burdening Naga public with tax demands through threats and intimidations”, citing that the “group is being treated cordially with all daily expenses and basic amenities by Indian security forces and state government with direct orders from MHA”.

“The summoning of non-local traders through rear gate in one of the group’s location in Dimapur is reportedly a daily affair. WC feels this is a time for all groups to reason, reassess and forge a path to common future. It is not a time to pull a political stunt, create fear psychosis and indulge in rampant taxation,” it stated.

The WC-NNPG also expressed concern over what it described as “dubious narrative from unmandated elements such as the Naga Hoho and its past officials who continue to throng regional TV debate to stay relevant”.

It said “Nagas must stay alert against such foolhardy narrators with parrot mentality” and expressed hope that they would wake up from their slumber soon.

The working committee also stated that issues like the ongoing pandemic, farmers’ stir and elections in various Indian states had dented the hope of signing the Indo-Naga political settlement early but an honourable and acceptable solution will take place ‘on the basis of Agreed Position signed on 17th Nov. 2017’

“This will be announced and implemented through mutually agreed Political Agreement between Nagas and GoI,” it stated.

“WC, NNPGs believes the days of propaganda have been replaced by hard facts and practical route for solution.  All major and minor Naga tribes as well as village chieftains and GBs in towns, who are the real source of power and authority at the grassroots level, also the indigenous non-Naga communities, have crystal clear understanding of the position of the GoI vis-a-vis the Status Paper of WC, NNPGs, which was shared with Naga tribes and apex civil societies,” it added.

The working committee went on to state that the Indo-Naga political issue encompassed Naga-inhabited areas in Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam and Myanmar, and therefore “the neighbouring communities have been consulted on the impending solution”.

It also appealed to all Nagas to be steadfast physically, morally and spiritually, saying that “our aspiration as one people will be strengthened in flesh and spirit” after the final settlement despite the artificial boundaries.