Dimapur, June 27 (MExN): After evaluating the process of the last 28 months, the Forum for Naga Reconciliation convened between June 18-25, 2010 in Chiangmai, Thailand. ‘A Statement of Renewal’ was issued by the FNR describing it as “most appropriate and timely”. “The Forum for Naga Reconciliation finds it imperative at this juncture to engage in honest evaluation and self-renewal, so that the remaining stages of the Naga Reconciliation process is attainable”, stated the FNR.
The seven-point Statement of Renewal include among others the FNR’s own pledge “to work for Naga Reconciliation with no bias, preference, or affiliation towards any individual or group, but by upholding the common interests and rights of Naga people”. The FNR also acknowledged that in the course of the journey towards Naga Reconciliation, it must have been insensitive and unintentionally hurt the feelings of individuals and organizations through their words, actions and silence; and therefore the FNR took the opportunity “to say we are sincerely sorry and seek forgiveness from all those we have hurt”.
The statement also mentioned that a genuine and lasting reconciliation can be achieved when there is a climate of mutual respect and mutual recognition. “Therefore the approach to reconciliation using a selective ‘pick and choose policy’ must be a practice of the past; and an open attitude of acceptance needs to be embraced”, it was stated.
The Statement of Renewal has also applauded the signatories of the Covenant of Naga Reconciliation for their commitment to uphold the spirit of reconciliation through forgiveness and humility. The FNR stated that it was encouraged by their action to end all forms of violence in toto. “We are strengthened by their continued support towards this endeavor”.
Pointing out that the Naga political history is entrenched with violence and conflict, personal and collective pain, the FNR therefore urged the Naga political groups to “embrace repentance, forgiveness and acceptance among themselves and with the Naga public, so that healing becomes possible and Naga people can become whole again”.
While recognizing the various initiatives for reconciliation, the FNR has also restated that it was formed as an outcome of the Naga Peace Convention organized by the Naga Shisha Hoho in February 2008. “The Forum for Naga Reconciliation was not handed down by any organization or political group, but was inspired and led through divine intervention”, the Statement of Renewal informed.
Stating that it was not an easy road to reconciliation, it was pointed out that the journey towards reconciliation is filled with pitfalls and challenges. “Yet the deep yearning for Naga unity and the soulful prayers of the people has persuaded the Naga political groups and the Forum for Naga Reconciliation to explore all possibilities until Naga Reconciliation: A Journey of Common Hope is accomplished”.
The FNR statement added that today, reconciliation through repentance, forgiveness and mutual respect was no longer a choice but “an absolute necessity”. The FNR therefore urged the Naga people to live in accordance with the spirit of true reconciliation and that for the sake of the Naga future, it was “imperative that Naga Reconciliation must triumph”.
