Dimapur, June 16 (MExN): The state government of Nagaland today welcomed the commitment made by the Naga groups to reconcile as committed to, in the signing of the “Covenant of reconciliation” at Ching Mei in Thailand. Two separate congratulatory messages expressing happiness at the enlivened hopes for reconciliation and peace for the war-torn Nagas, was received here from Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio and Home minister Imkong Imchen today.
The Forum for Naga Reconciliation yesterday announced to the Naga people that a historic document “Covenant of Reconciliation” had been jointly signed by Isak Chishi Swu, chairman of NSCN/GPRN, SS Khaplang, chairman of GPRN/NSCN and “brig (Retd)” S Singnya, ‘Kedahge’ (president) of the FGN.
Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio welcomed the joint signing of the ‘Covenant of reconciliation’ by the leaders of the three groups namely the NSCN/GPRN, the GPRN/NSCN and the FGN. The chief minister expressed deep appreciation at the statement of the underground leaders who he stated to have resolved to continue to work together in the spirit of “love, non-violence, peace and respect to resolve outstanding issues”.
“The chief minister is of the view that the commitment of the underground leaders towards Naga reconciliation and forgiveness is a significant landmark in our search for lasting peace and oneness. The state government and the chief minister reiterate the commitment of the DAN to play the role of active facilitator in working towards peace, reconciliation, understanding and oneness among all sections of the Naga family,” stated the message issued through press secretary Abu Metha.
The state government further reiterated support to the Forum for Naga Reconciliation in its endeavor to bring reconciliation and peace to the Naga society. Neiphiu Rio has made an appeal to all sections of the Naga people to extend cooperation and support to the reconciliation process. Rio urged the Naga leaders as well to listen to the voice of the people “in our search for peace and brotherhood”.
Home minister Imkong Imchen today termed “heartening” what he called are the “the major groups” in the “Naga freedom movement” agreeing to work together “in a spirit of love, non-violence, peace and respect to resolve the outstanding issues among them”.
A message received here from the minister saluted “the three top leaders” for their “sagacity” and working out the covenant of reconciliation. “I believe that it will go a long way in the process of healing the wounds in the minds of the people and ultimately leading to the resolution of the Naga political issue at the earliest,” Imchen stated.
The Forum for Naga Reconciliation led by Rev. Dr. Wati Aier and his team, Imchen said, has taken unspoken hardship while working out “the modalities” with the different “factions” reconciling them into a common platform. This is by no means a small achievement, Imkong gushed. “All the leaders and civil societies should come out openly welcoming this historic agreement and extend all possible support.
The concerned citizens and organizations should trust this agreement in good spirit and re-strengthen it so as to enable these respected Naga leaders to frame the Naga political agenda more meaningfully to accommodate diverse opinions into a common agenda,” he said in his message.
The Home minister further said that the process of reconciliation “between different organizations” and establishing trust and confidence is not a matter of easy task. For this, the minister said all in concern should “join hands” irrespective of their “political party affiliation” or interest. “In the meantime, the Government of India should also initiate positive steps to respond to this Historic Reconciliation thereby paving the way for an ultimate resolution of this longest pending Political issue of the world,” he added.
