FNR calls for release of arrested cadres
Dimapur, November 26 (MExN): While acknowledging that the Naga Reconciliation process has been able to make constructive headway, the Forum for Naga Reconciliation has nevertheless expressed disappointment over what it termed as “emerging accusations, counter-accusations, provocative language and the arrest of cadres between the Naga political groups”.
“The Forum for Naga Reconciliation is therefore disappointed and disheartened with the emerging accusations, counter-accusations, provocative language and the ‘arrest’ of cadres between the Naga political groups. Such actions threaten to undo the painstaking progress that has been made and it is not in the interest of the Naga people. These acts are unacceptable to the Naga Reconciliation process and constitute a breach of mutual trust” the forum reminded.
“Therefore in the interest of Naga Reconciliation and for the sake of the Naga public’s desire to end all forms of violence among Nagas, the Forum for Naga Reconciliation calls for an immediate end to all negative and destructive confrontation taking place among the Naga political groups; and to release the “arrested cadres” unharmed on humanitarian grounds and in the name of the Naga reconciliation process”, the FNR stated.
Since the Naga Reconciliation Process was initiated in March 2008, the Forum for Naga Reconciliation and the Naga “political” groups (factions) have weathered many daunting challenges, the forum said. In the spirit of genuine reconciliation, the Naga political groups have also honestly engaged each other on difficult issues that stand in the way to Naga Reconciliation, the forum said. Yet the mudslinging and “arrests” have the potential to undo whatever progress has been made, it reminded.
The forum said: “In these nine months the Naga political groups have collectively and publicly demonstrated their commitment to Naga reconciliation; and behind closed doors they continue to work together in finding ways to resolve the intricate issues that have created chasm between them. The Naga Reconciliation Process has been able to make constructive headway due to the generosity of spirit and the willingness for the Naga political groups to reconcile on the basis of the historical and political rights of the Nagas towards a peaceful political solution”. The forum urged the leaders of the Naga groups to exhibit statesmanship by constructively building upon the progress that has been made in the journey to Naga reconciliation.
