Dimapur, October 30 (MExN): The Forum for Naga Reconciliation has appealed to the Naga ‘political’ groups to refuse retracting from ‘the Common Journey of Hope’ reminding that “the problem with our problem lies within us and to overcome this problem, as well, lies with us.” The forum issued a statement today elaborating the complex issues involved in the entire process and effort to reconcile the Naga groups, particularly the issue of ‘inclusiveness.’
The forum’s statement appealed: “Nagas are so near the end and yet still far away. This is our paradox! The problem with our problem lies within us and to overcome this problem, as well, lies with us. Albeit stated, the FNR is aware of the magnitude of the issue of inclusiveness. To this day, no Naga political leaders have ever said that inclusiveness is not in their agenda. But, each is very careful in not making a blunder. In this the FNR empathizes with them.” For these reasons, the forum has appealed to the public ‘to be understanding of the magnitude of the issue involved while supporting the cause.’
For those “caught up in the whirlwind of ‘mutual exclusion’ must, the forum said, by all means remain vigilant to forces that want to destroy the ‘common belonging’. “The Common Journey of Hope has traveled thus far; let us not go back for that would mean irreparable destruction,” the Forum for Reconciliation appealed empathically.
The forum stated that a measure of progress ‘is being experienced’ with the support of the signatories of the Covenant of Reconciliation. Nevertheless, the forum reminded, reconciliation is never static and St. Augustine quoted: “Peace like war is waged.” Reconciliation must go on until the end of history, the forum said. The forum clarified on the now-sensitive terms “inclusion” and “inclusiveness.”
Throughout the Journey of Common hope, the forum said it has been publicly addressing that Nagas must transcend exclusion and pick and choose polarity. “In simple terms it means that in Naga reconciliation ‘no one will be excluded’ and the ‘pick and choose’ typology is not in tune with ‘Reconciliation,’ be it religious or political in meaning,” the forum said. Along this line, the forum has made sincere pleas to those who are not a part of the covenant to trust the Forum for Naga reconciliation and give more time as the process is not that simple.
“We reaffirm once more that ‘reconciliation without all the Naga political groups who subscribe to the historical and political rights of the Nagas’ will be incomplete. FNR remain steadfast to our commitment. FNR is grateful to the other Naga political groups who are not part of the COR for your patience,” the statement said.
The other aspects of the term “inclusiveness” can be volatile, the forum cautioned nevertheless, if it is taken out of context and exploited.
Before making an a-priori conclusion by the parties concerned, “either” by way of outright renunciation of inclusiveness “or” being sceptical of the process, the forum said inclusiveness deserves careful and intentional listening to through dialogue.
The forum explained this way in it statement: “The notion of ‘Grand Narratives’ or ‘Grand Ideas’ inherent in the parties concerned through the ‘either-Or’ approach suppresses a synthesis. Therefore, Nagas ought to be engaged from generalizing to particularizing our national goal and objective. The principle of a rationale political law hinges on synthesis. As long as universalistic illusion of contradiction is bred and nurtured, Nagas will be further off from arriving at the political law of synthesis. At the end, synthesis leads to a ‘win-win’ outcome as opposed to a ‘win-lose’ or a ‘lose-win’ debacle.”
“Before making any a-priori judgement by the parties concerned, accept the inclusive approach in principle and begin by dialoguing in the JWG level. This may take several sittings and it will be, by no means, simple. Nevertheless, to begin is inevitable and is of absolute importance, if Nagas have to move ahead with our goal,” the forum said.
