In a prominent development for the ongoing Naga peace process, the Niki Sumi-led Khaplang faction of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland(NSCN-K) along with the government of India are prepared to sign a fresh ceasefire agreement on September 8 in New Delhi, according to a report.
NSCN (K) abrogated its 2001 ceasefire agreement
However, in 2015, the NSCN (K) unilaterally abrogated its 2001 ceasefire agreement with the Centre, following which the group was announced as a banned outfit and an “unlawful association” by the Union Home Minister.
People who are aware of the development told Hindustan Times that the chairman of Ceasefire Monitoring Group (CFMG Nagaland) Lt. Gen. (retired) AS Bedi is already in Delhi formulating the groundwork with the Union Home Ministry for the new ceasefire agreement while on Monday, a team of Niki-led NSCN (K) will be departing for Delhi from Nagaland.
Decisions for Naga people
However, all decisions that the group makes will be made as per the aspirations” and “wishes” of the Naga people. A source informed that the NSCN-K Niki Sumi team in Delhi is led by Nikato Pilot Sumi Kilonser.
Signing of the agreement
The ceasefire agreement will be signed between the Centre and the group in the absence of its president Niki Sumi, who could not travel to Delhi because of health-related issues.
In 2015, after the abrogation of a ceasefire agreement with the government of India, the NSCN (K) led by its governor SS Khaplang went on to establish a strong base in neighbouring Myanmar.
Demise of Khaplang
Nonetheless, in 2017 Khaplang died of a cardiac arrest at Taga, Myanmar’s Sagaing Region under Naga self-administered zone. Thereafter, the group, which was taken over by Khaplang’s closed ones Yung Aung, indeed a relative, divided into different factions, where Niki-led NSCN (K) is one of it.
Bringing all Naga inhabited areas of Myanmar and along with India under one administrative set up, the NSCN (K) regulates to establish a sovereign state.
Niki Sumi takes step to attain fresh ceasefire
A trusted general of late SS Khaplang, Niki Sumi, is reportedly said to have taken the step to attain a fresh ceasefire with the Centre heeding to the voice of the Naga people who want peace.
However, he is noted to be of the opinion that all Naga negotiating groups could come jointly if the government of India is sincere in its undertakings to settle an honourable and an acceptable solution.
In Manipur, Niki Sumi is a prime accused in the capture of the Indian Army, which claimed the lives of 18 soldiers and yet the charges have not been dropped. The militia general who now leads the breakaway faction of the NSCN (K) curiously emerged after five years to renew The ceasefire with the Centre.
