Dimapur, August 21 (MExN): The Forum for Naga Reconciliation has affirmed that the “desire and hope of the people living in Naga-land is reconciliation, unity, peace leading to a Naga political solution.”
A statement from the forum today said that since March 2008, the reconciliation efforts have been sustained by the Forum for Naga Reconciliation, encouraged and supported by all the apex Naga and non-Naga organizations, including the Nagaland state government. The forum also made it clear that it is not the only body working for Naga reconciliation and that there are others, such as the Naga Hoho, tribal bodies, the GBs and DBs, the Political Affairs Committee, the church, mothers’ organizations, senior citizens, student bodies and more.
“Hence, the FNR is only one among the many to be engaged with Naga reconciliation,” it said. “If the FNR has been able to achieve something, it is because of the encouragement and prayers of people longing for a common cause. For this, we remain ever grateful,” stated the forum.
The amalgam of civil society also put on record that all the “Naga political groups” and “the Naga national workers’ people support group” have been very supportive to Naga reconciliation. “The public should know that despite many difficulties, they have made concerted efforts for us to experience and witness the de-escalation of killings and violence in our land,” the forum said in urging the public to show patience and render support and cooperation. The public should understand the difficulties the leaders face and that the job before them is challenging, the forum said. “We must also admit that we have often been un-sensitive to the Naga national workers. The time has come for the people of the land to be more constructive and reassuring to our Naga national leaders and their rank and file for their commitment to Naga reconciliation,” the press note stated. The forum has reassured all the Naga ‘political groups’ that reconciliation is for all. “Nobody will be left out.
In this, the FNR, as in the past, requests our Naga national groups to understand the difficulties of the reconciliation process,” the forum said in also believing and hoping that the common journey of reconciliation is reaching its destination. “We foresee that moment. Despite many human limitations, the FNR has never wavered from its commitment to the Naga reconciliation efforts,” it stated while reiterating that “peace, like war, is waged.”
It was informed that in the coming months the forum will continue to engage in making the “Covenant of Reconciliation” inclusive. As a step in this direction, the forum is organizing a meeting with the Naga Hoho, tribe hohos, GB and DBs, various councils and associations, churches, and other Naga civil society organizations on August 26, at the Hotel Saramati, Dimapur from 9:30am onwards. The forum has requested the Naga Hoho, tribe hohos, GB and DBs, various councils and associations, churches, and other Naga civil society organizations to delegate two representatives each for the August 26 meeting. The Naga “political groups” have also been invited for the same, the forum informed.
The Forum for Naga Reconciliation has appealed to all, “not to be confused nor be led by our perceptions alone” pointing out that “we cannot miss history in the making.” “Let us rise up above petty ambitions and biased calculations. It is this journey that we all should wish to be part of. Our hearts must be filled with love for our destiny”. The forum reminded that over four decades ago, Martin Luther King, Jr. and the Civil Rights movement believed in what they sung, “We Shall Overcome.”
