Kohima, December 21 (Agencies): Maintaining that reconciliation among Nagas is a challenging task, an apex body of peace makers has reaffirmed that for genuine reconciliation to be realized the Nagas would have to honestly and non-violently address their differences.
In a bid to further strengthen and consolidate the Naga reconciliation process, an umbrella body of peace makers has convened another round of peace meet at Chiang Mai in Thailand which was also attended by representatives from Naga underground groups among others.
The Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR), comprising members of churches, civil society and community organizations, recently convened what it called the Naga Peace Summit IV at the Thai city with representatives from Khaplang led NSCN (GPRN/NSCN), Naga National Council (NNC/FGN), Naga National Workers People Support Group, Quakers (peace makers), American Baptist and Naga Church leaders taking part in the deliberation. However, representatives from NSCN(I-M) could not attend the meet.
In a statement received here today, the Forum said since the Chiang Mai Naga Peace Summit-III, several public events had taken place and brought people together in strengthening the reconciliation process and the platform was committed to make the process more inclusive in nature.
Stating that the fourth Chiang Mai deliberation has been a time of reflection and grounding, the Forum said the re-conciliation process continues to be a challenging and daunting task because it involves recognizing, acknowledging and overcoming how Nagas have profoundly wounded and hurt each other.
The Forum said the Naga re-conciliation process was not an easy one and the journey was filled with turbulence, but in spite of the difficult circumstances, positive movement has taken place.
We, however, recognize that not all Naga political groups (underground factions) were able to attend the peace summit, the Forum said and urged all groups to stay in relationship with the reconciliation process.
The Forum expressed appreciation to those groups which attended the peace meet and for their continued resolve and commitment to the common goal of Naga reconciliation. The Forum also affirmed its commitment to make this process inclusive in nature, saying no group would be left behind in its pursuit to reconciliation.
The reconciliation process was initiated in the beginning of this year at the height of factional killings among Naga underground groups and so far several rounds of discussions and public events involving rival factions were organized by the Forum in Nagaland and abroad.
