The Yung Aung-led NSCN (K) refuted the report that “self-styled general” Niki Sumi has been elevated to the post of commander-in-chief of the outfit.
In a statement on Wednesday, the NSCN (K) faction termed the report as “false” and “malicious” aimed at creating disunity by the adversaries.
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The statement said Niki Sumi is still the deputy C-in-C of the organisation and there has been no change or promotion as yet.
He, along with the NSCN-K’s Starson Lamkang and ‘Major General’ Neymlang, was named by New Delhi as key figure of June 4, 2015 ambush in Manipur which killed 18 soldiers.
He hails from Surrumi village in Zunheboto district of Nagaland. He is one of the Naga armed groups’ leaders who featured in the NIA’s most wanted list.
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The NIA has also announced a cash reward of Rs 10 lakh to anyone providing information about the whereabouts of Nikki Sumi. The agency had earlier in 2015 issued a red corner notice for him.
The NIA in its website on October 21 mentioned names of 258 fugitives that included 57 who carry a bounty on their heads. Names of various leaders belonging to NSCN (K), NSCN (IM) and other North East insurgent groups have also figured in the agency’s list of ‘most wanted’.
Meanwhile, former NSCN (K) chairman Khango Konyak has reportedly arrived in Yongkhao village under Tobu sub-division of Mon district of Nagaland.
According to reports, Konyak was accorded warm welcome in the village on October 16 where representatives from civil societies and NGOs from eastern Nagaland were present.
Khango, a western Naga and an Indian national, was removed as the chairman of NSCN (K) in August. He was replaced by Yung Aung, a nephew of founder of NSCN (K) S S Khaplang.
The NSCN (K) now stands divided into two groups – one led by Yung Aung and the other by Khango Konyak.
Khango was appointed the chairman of the outfit on June 20, 2017 after the death Khaplang. As per reports, he is not averse to signing a ceasefire with the government of India and is in touch with Naga civil society organisations in this regard.