Naga Peace Talks: Top officials to meet NSCN-K leader Niki Sumi on Dec 28

KOHIMA:

A team of top officials is scheduled to meet National Socialist Council of Nagaland—Khaplang (NSCN K) leader Niki Sumi on December 28, with expectations that the final ceasefire agreement will be inked in the coming days.

According to official sources, the Government of India has already given NSCN/GPRN the assurance of a ceasefire as soon as possible to further strengthen the Naga peace process and, talks for an amicable and permanent solution, inclusive of all Naga stakeholders, is underway.

However, it remains unclear whether the NSCN (K) breakaway faction led by Niki Sumi will join the Naga National Political Group (NNPGs) or take part in the peace process as a separate entity.

Speaking to a high-ranking official of the breakaway faction on whether the outfit will join the NNPGs, the official said, “NSCN/GPRN would respect the wishes and aspirations of the Naga people”.

The NSCN-K, on December 23 announced a ceasefire and said that it has contacted the central government for initiating a peace dialogue.

The NSCN-K had signed a ceasefire with the Centre in 2001, but unilaterally abrogated it in 2015.

Niki Sumi is the prime accused in the killing of 18 Indian Army soldiers in Manipur in 2015, and the National Investigation Agency (NIA) had announced a reward of ₹ 10 lakh for his arrest.

(Edited by Laxmi Chyrmang)

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