FNR express optimism after Naga leaders engage in two-days of “sincere and honest” discussion on issues that confront them
Morung Express News
Dimapur | March 28
A landmark agreement signed by three Naga political groups has renewed hopes for the formation of a common ‘Naga National Government,’ to pursue Naga Political Aspirations after a two-day long meeting which ended this afternoon.
After two days of intensive deliberations among top leaders of the NSCN/GPRN, GPRN/NSCN and NNC/FGN, under the aegis of Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR), the groups on Friday, March 28, signed the “Lenten Agreement”, signaling a new chapter in the ‘Naga Reconciliation: A journey of common hope.’
“Having reconciled on the basis of the historical and political rights of the Nagas, we recognize that all Nagas must unite in the common purpose towards achieving our Naga political aspirations”, stated the agreement, jointly signed by NSCN/GPRN Chairman, Isak Chishi Swu and General Secretary, Th. Muivah; GPRN/NSCN Chairman, Gen (Retd) Khole Konyak and General Secretary, Kitovi Zhimomi and NNC/FGN President, Brig (Retd) Singnya and Vice President, Zhopra Vero.
Leaders of the three Naga political groups (NPGs) pledged to move forward together in the Naga reconciliation process by condemning the past historical mistakes committed at various stages of Naga history and also to take inspiration from the positive political steps that have sustained and strengthened the Naga movement.
“Therefore, ‘having reconciled in the spirit of forgiveness and mutual respect’, we are committed to overcoming our mistakes, while also recognizing and uplifting our achievements and contributions made at various stages of our political history, a stepping stone towards the common Naga future”, the agreement stated.
As agreed in the “Naga Concordant,” signed earlier by the three groups, the leaders also agreed in principle to the formation of ‘Naga National Government’ and to work together in the common purpose of achieving Naga political aspirations. The leaders in the agreement also stated that the task of formation of ‘Naga National Government’ should begin at the earliest and be completed without delay.
“In this, we request the FNR to work out the modalities to expedite the process. While this task is being carried out, we call for maintenance of status quo, by vigilantly refraining from unwarranted activities by the Nagas”, the agreement read.
Further, the leaders of the three Naga political groups declared that in the spirit of Naga unity, through reconciliation and peace, they will “remain open to other Naga groups who are committed to the Naga Reconciliation and agree to abide and uphold its aims and purpose.”
Meanwhile, the FNR has termed the two-day meeting among the Naga political groups as one of the most “productive meetings” since the FNR began its “Journey of common hope” six years ago, to reconcile and unite the Naga political groups.
At a press briefing at Niathou Resort, FNR Convenor, Rev. Dr. Wati Aier said that the latest meeting was held in a “very frank and open” manner and that the leaders of the three Naga groups were “sincere and honest on issues that disturbed or confronted them.”
Other FNR members present in the press briefing including Rev. Dr. Pughoto Aye, Dr. N Venuh, Neingulo Krome and Rev. Puduhu also expressed optimism that the groundbreaking “Lenten Agreement” would be one of the biggest turning points in the ‘Journey of common hope.’
On the modalities for formation of ‘Naga National Government’ entrusted to FNR, the forum members said the modalities would not be “ready-made” as they have to consult and sit together with representatives of the three Naga political groups to identify common issues and goals.
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LENTEN AGREEMENT, MARCH 2014
(Naga reconciliation: A Journey of Common Hope)
Having reconciled on the basis of the historical and political rights of the Nagas, we recognize that all Nagas must unite in the common purpose towards achieving our Naga political aspirations.
In the Naga reconciliation process, we have committed to move forward together by condemning the past historical mistakes committed at various stages of our history. We also take inspiration in the positive political steps that have sustained and strengthened the Naga movement. Therefore, “having reconciled in the spirit of forgiveness and mutual respect,” we are committed to overcoming our mistakes, while also recognizing and uplifting our achievements and contributions made at various stages of our political history, a stepping stone towards the common Naga future.
As agreed in the “Naga Concordant,” we, in principle agree to the formation of Naga National Government. While, the commitment is a process, until such time, we resolve to work together in the common purpose of achieving Naga political aspirations. This task should begin at the earliest and be completed without delay.
In this, we request the FNR to work out the modalities to expedite the process. While this task is being carried out, we call for the maintenance of status quo, by vigilantly refraining from any unwarranted activities by the Nagas.
Furthermore, in the spirit of Naga Unity, through reconciliation and peace, we remain open to other Naga groups who are committed to the Naga Reconciliation and agree, to abide and uphold its aim and purposes.
Isak Chishi Swu
Chairman
NSCN/GPRN
Gen (Retd) Khole Konyak
Chairman
GPRN/NSCN
Brig (Retd) Singnya
President
NNC/FGN
Th. Muivah
General Secretary
NSCN/GPRN
Kitovi Zhimomi
General Secretary
GPRN/NSCN
Zhopra Vero
Vice President
NNC/FGN
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