Amid rising public concern over the prolonged delay in resolving the Naga political issue, working convenor of the Working Committee of the NNPGs, Isak Sumi, on Wednesday emphasized the need for a united, inclusive approach toward a “comprehensive and final solution.”

Interacting with media persons after a meeting with the Government of India’s interlocutor for Naga peace talks, AK Mishra, Sumi acknowledged the frustration and disillusionment among the Naga people. “There is no justification for the continued delay,” he said, adding that while the Naga issue is complex due to overlapping interests and fragmented representation, all parties involved are now working towards a final execution plan.

“For some time now, the Naga people have been kept in suspense,” he said. “Disappointment, disillusionment, and frustration have been creeping in due to the delayed solution. We recognize this pain,” he said.

Striking a rare tone of collective accountability, Sumi expressed regret over the conduct of Naga political groups and the leadership, stating, “We have made many mistakes, and we sincerely apologize to the Naga people,” Sumi admitted.

“It’s time to stop mudslinging and imposing the interests of particular groups. We need to sincerely engage with each other and with the Government of India,” he added.

While affirming that there is no justification for the prolonged delay, Sumi also explained that the Naga political issue remains one of the most complex and long-running conflicts, spread across multiple states and involving various groups and stakeholders.

“It is an ongoing conflict for over seven to eight decades. Our objective of a comprehensive, all-encompassing Naga solution is not easy,” he said.

He said the ongoing interactions with Government of India and concerted efforts from the civil societies, the tribal leaders, the churches, the FNR were all in collaboration working towards creating a conducive atmosphere trying to create a common platform, where none of the Nagas or the stakeholders will be alienated but coming together not necessarily under one leadership or under one group.

However, he said, “But to develop a consensus together to go for a solution together and in order to arrive at that it becomes time consuming.”

Sumi stated that the current stage of talks has moved beyond simply upholding the Agreed Position signed by the NNPGs or the Framework Agreement signed by NSCN-IM, and is now focused on formulating a final execution plan.

“We are now engaged in meticulous, in-depth interaction among the Naga political groups, civil societies, stakeholders, and the Government of India to work out a final execution plan,” he explained. “Only after an execution plan is formulated, then we can go for a comprehensive solution and for that ongoing effort is being undertaken on all fronts,” he added.

He made it clear that the priority is not defending past agreements but building a forward-looking solution that encompasses all voices. “Agreed Position or Framework Agreement — these are two documents, but the goal is one. Eventually, these must converge into a single document that delivers one solution.”

When questioned about the reported split within the Working Committee of the NNPGs, Sumi clarified that the agreement was signed under one unified leadership. “Yes, there are visible differences, and even the formation of parallel groups. But NNPGs was formed as one and continues to be one in essence,” he said.

Sumi said, for the Nagas, NNPG have been split into two groups, but for them it is only one. He said because NNPG signed the Agreed Position under the leadership of N Kitovi Zhimomi, whatever he may think himself, but it is a fact that the agreement was signed under his leadership.

Sumi further said that there is only one NNPG and there will be one NNPG. “There will be no two agreements. Agreement has only design. NNPG never belonged to Neokpao not it belongs to Kitovi. It belongs to the Nagas. NNPG is only one. That’s all,” he reiterated.

Another working convenor, WC NNPG, P Tikhak said that the apparent divisions were often amplified by misunderstandings among the Naga people and organizations. “Differences are a creation of our own doing. It’s time we overcome them. Government of India is not bothered about the differences within all. They are watching and all what they want is that they take all the political group seriously. And with all these groups Government of India wants to go for honorable acceptable solution.”

Sumi remarked that while delays are frustrating, there has been a sincere effort from civil society, churches, tribal bodies, and even the Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR) to create a conducive environment for unity.

Responding to a question on the frequent calls for unity and inclusive dialogue that are rarely followed up with action, Sumi admitted, “The Nagas have every right to question us. A mere rhetoric does serve any purpose unless we put that into action and genuinely work towards it.  Rhetoric along will not make any difference.”

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“That is the reason why we are all sincerely cooperating in the CNRC under the initiative supported by all the Naga leaders where Gen Niki Sumi is also a main component of that. So we are trying to put that rhetoric into action. So let us be hopeful,” he said.

“The real unity will happen only on the solution. Once Government of India make a call for solution, everybody will be part of it. And the real reconciliation will be seen there,” he concluded on an optimistic note.

Meeting “fruitful”, says Jimo

Meanwhile, NNPG led by N Kitovi Zhimomi also held a meeting the Centre’s Interlocutor, AK Mishra at Chumoukedima Police Complex on Wednesday.

Interacting with media persons after the meeting, G Jimo, Secretary, WC NNPG and Supervisor, CFSB, GPRN/NSCN (Khehoi) said that the meeting was “fruitful”. He said the discussions were centered around common objective of resolving the Naga political problem.

“The objective of our meeting was simply to find an early honorable solution to the Naga problem. That was the gist of our discussion,” he said, adding that it would not be appropriate to disclose further details at this stage.

When asked about the Government of India’s current position concerning the Working Committee, NNPG and other Naga groups, he remarked, “This is between family members. The Working Committee feels that everybody is on the same page when it comes to Agreed Position. There should not be any problem even in the future when it comes to the solution.”

He added that both the Government of India and the WC-NNPGs are willing to sit across the table to continue the dialogue and bring the issue to a logical conclusion. Even Government of India is going on that line,” he further said.