Dimapur, January 11 (MExN): In the backdrop of the various “unification” and “peace” initiatives being undertaken by some sections of the Naga spectrum, the Naga church reminds that the role and presence of the Naga Hoho cannot be sidelined. While expressing appreciation and offering encouragement to the initiators, Nagaland Baptist Church Council states that no matter what, mandating social resolutions can be with the Naga Hoho, by virtue it is the sole pan-Naga body.
“I think they have to come out” said director of the NPCC’s Peace Affairs committee, Rev. Kari Longchar when queried on reasons the Naga Hoho, or the likes of Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) and Naga People’s Movement for Human Rights (NPMHR) “is not much heard” of in the circles of either the GB’s peace initiatives or the ENPO/Sumi Hoho’s “unification” move. Rev.Longchar held opinion that the Naga Hoho should be at the forefront since, no matter what, they are still the apex Naga body and “they should resume responsibilities.”
Rev. Longchar, however, acknowledged that “some groups don’t have good relationships” with the Naga Hoho and perhaps, it is “this image” that the Naga Hoho is being overlooked to a certain extent. He also observed further that the Eastern Naga People’s Organization (ENPO) not being part of the Naga Hoho could also be one of the reasons the Naga Hoho is “not much heard of” in the current state of affairs.
Nonetheless, the peace affairs director said that the Naga Hoho can raise above all these issues. “They can revive all these relationships. Yes, the final issue is with them since it is the apex Naga body (Naga Hoho). They should be considered” he said. The reverend also said that the Naga Hoho, on its part should make a stand. “They should be proponent and (insistent) he said.
In a related matter, the NBCC is expected to meet next week around January 18-19 to discuss matters relevant to the ongoing ‘unification’ initiatives. Rev. Kari Longchar informed this, but said the date has yet to be scheduled.
The peace committee’s meeting will focus on its ‘healing and reconciliation’ resolutions. The church said that the Naga underground factions at this time need “honest conversation” rather than “just talking about it.”
These ‘honest conversations’ would yield results but would have to be on a sustained basis if any solution has to be arrived at, rev. Longchar said. “You have to have honest talks and honest conversation at least two, three, four times to come to a common consensus” he reminded. On the role of the Church, Rev. Longchar said to take the role conversant to the spiritual aspects of the issue, while relevant civil platforms attend to the political dimensions of the Naga issue.
