"Right step towards peace": NSF welcomes Niki Sumi-led NSCN (K)'s decision to join peace talks

KOHIMA: The Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) has welcomed the news of the Nikki Sumi-led faction of the NSCN/GPRN formally joining the peace talks with the government of India. Similarly, the PDA government and the Nagaland Gaon Bura Federation (NGBF) have also welcomed the decision of Sumi's faction to join the talks.

Ninoto Awomi, the President and Liremor R Kikon, the General Secretary, in a press release on Sunday said, "NSF is convinced that the new development is the right step towards bringing about a peaceful end to the protracted Indo-Naga peace process."

"All the parties of the negotiation should show sincerity in their approach and ensure that a solution that is inclusive, honourable and acceptable to the Nagas is brought about at the earliest," the NSF further exhorted.

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NSF also reiterated its "earliest appeal to the Naga people to be mindful of the deceptive approaches of our adversaries, love each other unconditionally, accept each others’ weaknesses and together with Christ, strive towards our ultimate goal."

It needs mention here that the NSCN/GRPN leader Gen (Retd.) Niki Sumi on Saturday, decided to co-operate with the Centre and engage in the Naga peace talks. Earlier, Sumi had decided to revive the ceasefire -- which had been abrogated since 2015 -- with the GoI.

While calling for a ceasefire with the security forces Sumi released a statement reading, “I, as a Naga, cannot unilaterally go against the wishes and aspirations of our people and, consequent to our decision to give peace a chance, I might have hurt or let down the sentiments of a few which was never my intention. Therefore, I do request all to introspect on the wishes and aspirations of the Naga people to give peace a chance”.

This development comes three days after Ministry of Home affairs (MHA) extended  Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) in Nagaland for another six months, declaring the entire state a “disturbed area”.

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