NSCN/GPRN (K) Strikes Back at Money Laundering Allegations
Short Summary of the News
The NSCN/GPRN (K) faction, led by self-styled Gen (Retd.) Niki Sumi, has accused the Indian government of using agencies like the Enforcement Directorate to tarnish his image and derail ongoing Indo‑Naga peace talks. They dismissed recent money-laundering allegations—stemming from a 2017 incident—as recycled propaganda, asserting the funds seized were for a wedding anniversary and were lawfully returned by a court. The outfit has demanded genuine engagement instead of character assassination
1. Who’s Saying What?
Picture a long-simmering political game where trust teeters and accusations fly. NSCN/GPRN (K)—under the leadership of Niki Sumi—has accused the Central government of launching a smear campaign. They believe agencies like the ED and Assam Rifles are being used not for justice, but political sabotage. Specifically, they call out efforts to brand Niki Sumi a criminal to damage Naga leadership credibility and halt peace progress
2. The Allegations: What’s the Central Claim?
The spark? A PMLA special court in Imphal East has declared Niki Sumi an “absconder” in a money laundering case. This reportedly links to a 2017 incident where Assam Rifles intercepted a vehicle near Manipur’s Karong checkpoint, seizing cash—apparently intended for a wedding anniversary celebration in Taga, Myanmar
Now, fast-forward: NSCN/K argues that all documentation was legally submitted, and the court itself dismissed the case on May 9, 2017, ordering the money returned. Moreover, Niki Sumi was never caught with illicit funds. So why this uproar now? The group says it’s beyond a case; it’s a political play.
3. Historical Flashbacks: The 2017 Incident
Let’s rewind to May 2017: Assam Rifles catches hold of a vehicle, confiscates a large sum of money, hands it over to Manipur Police under an FIR linked with UAPA. The funds were allegedly meant for a private celebration. The NSCN/K team defended themselves in court, provided paperwork, and won—the seized money was ordered back
So, you might wonder: why is this old case being awakened now? NSCN/K contends it’s not coincidence—but design.
4. NSCN/K’s Rebuttal: “Propaganda, Pure and Simple”
Here’s the core of their claim:
- Timing Matters
Drawing attention to old cases mid-dialogue hints at a hidden agenda—character assassination at its finest - Legal Exoneration Exists
May 9, 2017: court verdict favored Sumi, nullifying the original case and returning the money . - No Arrest with Illicit Money
They emphasize Sumi wasn’t caught red-handed, reinforcing their stance that this is a political ploy - Peace Talks at Stake
If trust is eroded by such tactics, the entire Indo‑Naga peace process may buckle, warns NSCN/K
5. Chilling the Dialogue: Peace Process in Peril
NSCN/K argues these tactics jeopardize genuine peace efforts. They say:
- Trust Undermined
Peace requires reliability. Smearing negotiators destroys that foundation. - Fearful Backlash
Case revivals could intimidate grassroots activists—who will speak up if they fear long-buried charges? - Credibility at Risk
Labeling leaders criminals confuses public perception. Peace becomes politics instead of purpose. - A Warning Sign
Bringing charges mid-talks signals negotiation fatigue and political manipulation.
FAQs
1. Who is Niki Sumi?
Gen (Retd.) Niki Sumi leads NSCN/GPRN (K), a Naga separatist faction active in peace talks with India.
2. What exactly is the money laundering allegation?
The ED says Sumi absconded in connection with a 2017 case where Assam Rifles seized cash allegedly meant for a private event. The case later went quiet—but now is being revived.
3. Was the money returned?
Yes—courts ruled in NSCN/K’s favor in May 2017, ordering seized funds be given back
4. What’s NSCN/K’s main complaint?
They say this revived case is a political tool aimed at discrediting Naga leadership and destabilizing the peace process.
5. How could this affect the peace talks?
If trust erodes, negotiators may withdraw, hindering progress toward a lasting peace pact.
