"Not giving up Naga political rights": Niki Sumi-led NSCN refutes reports of "surrender"

DIMAPUR: The NSCN faction led by Niki Sumi has condemned some sections of media for "malicious" reports that it is mulling surrender amid the protracted peace talks. These reports surfaced after Sumi's faction contacted the Centre to take part in the peace talks.

"The NSCN/GRPRN led by Gen. (Retd.) Niki Sumi is constrained to issue this statement, having learned that one national television news channel viz. 'REPUBLIC TV' is airing unfounded and unauthenticated information reporting that NSCN/GPRN led by Gen. (Retd.) Niki Sumi is heading for surrender," the group stated in a release, adding "we stand strong with our aspiration and commitment for our Naga political rights till the time we achieve it."

"On the invitation from the Government of India to join the peace process, NSCN/GPRN established contact with the Government of India in order to revive the ceasefire and that should not be misconstrued in any way as a sign of surrender or giving up Naga political rights," the Niki Sumi-led outfit further added, confirming the reports that it has entered talks with the Government of India regarding the peace process.

The faction on Wednesday announced their intent to join peace talks and revive the ceasefire with the Government of India by “revoking the earlier decision of unilateral abrogation of the ceasefire in 2015”.

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Calling the reportage "outrageous", it added that it deserves "utter condemnation for the simple fact that it is a false report and NSCN/GPRN totally condemns and rejects the media report."

The reportage has been done without knowing even an iota of truth, the Niki Sumi faction further stated, adding, "NSCN/GPRN vehemently condemn Republic TV and other media houses that are propagating such malicious news which is detrimental to the peace process."

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