Dimapur, October 10 (MExN): The Joint Working Group (JWG) of the signatories to the Covenant of Reconciliation met on Saturday, October 9, 2010 in the “spirit of cooperation and respect for each other” and agreed to a five point ‘commitment’ among which was a decision to clamp down on kidnappings and extortions. “Acknowledging that kidnappings and extortions have become an unbearable concern of all, irrespective of business communities or the general public, the JWG have agreed to vigilantly check through a collective mechanism forthwith”, stated the JWG in a statement signed by Zhopra Vero, C. Singson and Gen VS Atem, Convenors respectively of the JWG belonging to the FGN/NNC, GPRN/NSCN and NSCN/GPRN. The JWG meeting was facilitated by the Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR).
The other points of commitment included a call for a “complete status quo” be maintained by all groups. Besides it was agreed that the activities and movements of the respective governments including cadres etc should remain confined to their own and respective jurisdictions and territories. It was agreed upon that in all cases of necessary movements which required passages from each other’s territories, prior information should be given to each other for “mutual understanding and maintaining peaceful atmosphere”. It was further suggested that in some areas or territories which have become sensitive owing to individual or personal differences among commanders or cadres, the respective governments have been requested to make necessary corrections or placements on such cases to other units or battalions to avoid any reoccurrence of tensions.
It may be mentioned that Saturday’s JWG meeting was a follow up to the September 18 Summit wherein it was resolved that three groups are “reconciled based on the historical and political rights of the Nagas” as outlined by the FNR on August 10, 2010. The September 18 summit had also committed to working out differences as outlined in the Covenant of Reconciliation and further committing to cessation of all forms of hostilities including any territorial expansion. It was also decided at that meeting that the JWG will meet from time to time. The September 18 Summit resolution was signed by Th Muivah, Ato Kilonser of NSCN/GPRN; Brig (Retd) S. Singnya, Kedaghe of FGN/NNC and N. Kitovi Zhimomi, Ato Kilonser of GPRN/NSCN.
True spirit of mutual respect & openness: FNR
Meanwhile in a separate press note, the FNR informed that the JWG meeting on October 9 was attended by Gen. V S Atem, Mr. Zhopra Vero, and Mr. C. Singson respectively. Mr. Rhakho, Major General & Deputy Chief of the Army, FGN/NNC; and Brig.Vehoto, GPRN/NSCN were also present.
The FNR disclosed that the JWG meeting proceeded remarkably well in the true spirit of mutual respect and openness among the members present.
According to the FNR press note, issues pertaining to breach of the “Covenant of Reconciliation” through pockets of conflicts in recent past, the importance for proper information and correction of commanders and Army officers incharge in the fields, to remaining “Status Quo” vis-à-vis ones own designated camps were all discussed. “Should armed movement of cadres be in the interest of ones government, proper information must be passed on to the relevant concerned groups prior to any movement that would be undertaken”, the FNR stated. In this regard, it was agreed that a direct line of communication will be initiated between the Conveners of the JWG and also among army personnel.
Another major point of concern was on “extortions” and “kidnappings.” According to the FNR, all three political groups sincerely expressed their utter displeasure and have agreed to individually and jointly clamp down on any groups be it Nagas or “others” taking the name of Naga organizations with immediate effect. The public is urged to remain vigilant and render their cooperation in order to clean up this menace without delay, the FNR stated while adding that the culture of “extortion” and “kidnapping” will not be tolerated.
The FNR stated that it was aware that despite the progress made in reconciliation harder and more difficult issues remain. “We continue to acknowledge and appreciate the efforts of all”. It also stated that in its last few Press Releases, the FNR had left out the support and encouragement it had received from the Dimapur Naga Council. “We render our sincere apology! On every occasion Dimapur Naga council has been one of the strong supporters of the FNR”, the press note stated.
