Wati Aier
“There is no greater power on earth than an idea whose time has come,” were the words of Victor Hugo. Today, the time has come for the Nagas. From all comers, the passionate cry expresses the desire for Naga reconciliation. The voices for reconciliation have grown into a force to be reckoned with. This is the simple truth! We are here, as God would want us to act, willing and daring.
In our context, reconciliation means, the overcoming of division, hatred and enmity, leading to peace and love between God and human beings, and between all groups of people so as to walk a common road to achieving freedom. Therefore, reconciliation is never subjective - hidden in a comer, but reconciliation has social, political and historical implications in the Naga context.
I believe, reconciliation is possible, but it cannot come from sitting in our comfortable chairs and long hours of talking. It cannot come from pre-conceived minds. It cannot come from pre impositions from above. It can come only when Naga frontal organizations including the Church is willing to embark on a daring journey with one accord through “mass based reconciliation.” Reconciliation can be given a chance only when various Naga groups reciprocate in openness and willingness. But above all, the basis for reconciliation has to be based on the ‘historical and the political rights of the Nagas towards a peaceful political settlement with India. ‘
It is no coincidence that all the Naga “factions” in principle, have expressed the desire for Naga Reconciliation. Our task is to build one road where different groups can walk together on this road towards achieving our goal.
In order to do so, a forum must be initiated, as an outcome of this Peace convention. We shall not be at peace if we leave this place without seizing the opportunity God is offering us. Therefore, the forum shall be comprised of: Naga Hoho, Eastern Naga peoples’ Organization (ENPO), Naga Students’ Federation (NSF), Eastern Naga Students’ Association (ENSA), Eastern Naga Students’ Federation (ENSF), United Naga Council, Manipur (UNC), Naga Mother’s Association (NMA), Naga Peoples movement for Human Rights (NPMHR), All Naga Students’ Manipur (ANSAM), Naga Women Union, Manipur (NWUM), and Church leaders.
In God’s time our national leaders have expressed that the deepest need for Nagas is to reconcile. We believe this is the work of Holy Spirit working in the hearts and minds of our leaders. We can be hopeful that a dawn is here for us and our children to see, experience and live it.
The night has been too long for the Nagas. Thousands have laid down their lives for our freedom and many more continue to safeguard our historical and political rights. Today, we are here to make a covenant between God and the Naga people. This is a sacred and holy moment. Let no man or woman defy this sanctity. Paul in his letter to the Corinthians implores “Be reconciled to God.”... To us has been given the ministry of reconciliation. It is the responsibility of every Naga man and woman, to respond to this call to reconcile to God and to one another.
Today we hope and aspire that the spirit of reconciliation be realized in a concrete manner. Nagas can no longer afford to worship the god of division nor justify before the altar of retaliation. Human history is replete with blood and tears and ultimately disintegration for those who pursued the path of godless voices of division and hate. Such a path is totally self-defeating.
In his book “Where do we go from here,” Martin Luther said, “We are now faced with the fact that tomorrow is today. We are confronted with the fierce urgency of now. In this unfolding conundrum of life and history there is such a thing as being too late. Procrastination is still the thief of time. Life often leaves us standing bare, naked and dejected with a lost of opportunity.” As never before, today we have a choice before us: Reconciliation or division, love or hatred, peace or war. This is the day to choose the good for us and for posterity.
In God through Christ our Lord and Savior we hope and we commit to the task of reconciliation. Amen.
.jpg)
