Prelude:
Those who are engaged in travelling the Journey of Common Hope can empathize with one another as we retrospect into the early days of the journey. Without romanticizing, one can asseverate to the journey abounding in anger, hate, suspecion, mistrust, and ones mind-set conditioned through accumulated myths. Times of hopelessness and discouragment would set in and often we were ready to “throw in the towel.” Paradoxically, every time we hit the bottom God’s whisper of hope, amidst the great abyss reverberated within us and sustained the journey.
Today, with the support of the signatories of the Covenant of Reconciliation (COR), a measure of progress is being experienced. Nevertheless, in a fallen world, reconciliation is never static and as St. Augustine once remarked, “Peace like war is waged.” Reconciliation must go on until the end of history.
FNR make no qualms to say, that Naga Political groups have made an awesome leap in terms of concessions by taking personal risks toward a genuine quest for reconciliation, peace and unity. No matter how limited the progress may seem to the general populace, the signatories of the COR deserve our applause and encouragement and not otherwise.
The recent “September Summit” (September 18, 2010) was no small feat on the part of the leaders. Albeit, FNR’s personal gratitude, we would like to put in record that mustering up unspeakable courage to meet the “other” in humility, as shown by the top level leaders is a gift to the Nagas. For such an act we salute you!
Allow FNR to take this space to clarify our consistent usage of the word “inclusion” and “inclusiveness.” Throughout the Journey of Common hope the FNR has been publicly addressing that “Nagas must transcend exclusion and pick and choose polarity.” In simple terms it means that in Naga reconciliation “no one will be excluded” and the “pick and choose” typology is not in tune with “Reconciliation,” be it religious or political in meaning. Along this line, the FNR has made sincere pleas to those who are not a part of the COR to trust the FNR and give more time as the process is not that simple. We reaffirm once more that “Reconcilation without all the Naga political groups who subscribe to the Historical and Political Rights of the Nagas” will be incomplete. FNR remain steadfast to our commitment. FNR is grateful to the other Naga political groups who are not part of the COR for your patience.
The other aspect of the term “inclusiveness” can be volatile if it is taken out of context and exploited. The term “inclusiveness” is both implicit and explicit from two aspects:
Firstly, the FNR, on the last leg of the JWG and FNR tours to different Naga areas, stated on March 6, 2010, Dimapur, Nagaland, the following:
“THE FACT OF HISTORY”:
“The political history of Naga nation is replete with non-negotiable abiding significance. For this, we are not called to rationalize nor romanticize. It is a given—a fact of history—a Naga de facto. For example, without extensive references, among many, the Simon Commission, and the Naga Plebiscite are historical—a fact of history. Likewise, in the recent history of the Nagas, the political achievement of the NSCN/GPRN with the GOI is inclusive of the history of common humanity and common belonging (meaning it belongs to the Naga people). The talks between two political entities with agreement: Firstly, without any pre-condition; secondly, in the Prime-ministerial level; and thirdly, in a third country is part of Naga history.” (Page 2)
“The arbitrary boundary has separated the Nagas of Burma and India. In the course of time, this ‘wall’ has increasingly become more complicated in diverse subtle manners. Nevertheless, the inherent dream and the soul of the Nagas have been safeguarding the historical and political rights of the Nagas countering the government of Burma. The GPRN/NSCN has safeguarded the dreams of the Nagas to be one people and one nation. This is also a fact of history of common belonging and common political identity of the Nagas and we (FNR) acknowledge this noble act of courage and patriotism.” (Page 2 and 3)
“By the same token, the Federal Government of Nagaland walks along the line of the historical and political rights of the Nagas. Under circumvent crises of situational context the FGN has vigilantly safeguarded the historical and political rights of the Nagas in abiding by the Naga plebiscite and sovereignty all through these years by making amends. This too is an integral part of our history, and we acknowledge this firm stance and contribution.” (Page 3)
“….Therefore, the reconciliation journey traveled thus far has no ending without a political will for common interests and actions of the Nagas. The issues of ‘unity first’ and ‘political solution’ has no cut-off points, to be contrary, both are of the same entity.” (Page 4)
“The Journey of Common Hope of the Nagas has reached that destination where the parties of the COR must travel together (inclusivity) towards the next station of political talks with the GOI.” This can be worked out through some mechanism of mutual understanding to be agreed amongst the parties of the COR. “The prepared stage belongs to the realm of the fact of history, without undermining other facts of history within the Naga context.” (Page 4)
FNR’s opinion, while others are free to differ, is that in principle, the need for “inclusiveness” along the above quoted paragraphs be considered by the signatories of the COR. To be sure, inclusiveness based on the historical and political rights of the Nagas.
Before making an a-priori conclusion by the parties concerned, “either” by way of outright renunciation of inclusiveness “or” being sceptical of the process, inclusiveness deserves careful and intentional listening to through dialogue. The notion of “Grand Narratives” or “Grand Ideas” inherent in the parties concerned through the “Either-Or” approach suppresses a synthesis. Therefore, Nagas ought to be engaged from generalizing to particularizing our national goal and objective. The principle of a rationale political law hinges on synthesis. As long as universalistic illusion of contradiction is bred and nurtured, Nagas will be further off from arriving at the political law of synthesis. At the end, synthesis leads to a “win-win” outcome as opposed to a “win-lose” or a “lose-win” debacle.
It is in this context FNR is saying: before making any a-priori judgement by the parties concerned, accept the inclusive approach in principle and begin by dialoguing in the JWG level. This may take several sittings and it will be, by no means, simple. Nevertheless, to begin is inevitable and is of absolute importance, if Nagas have to move ahead with our goal.
Secondly, the term “inclusive” refers to Naga political settlement. A political settlement at the exclusion and expense of any Naga areas will be suicidal, diverting from the historical and political rights of the Nagas.
The very foundation of Naga struggle is inclusive. This is clearly manifested by the Naga plebiscite, and further reiterated by a historical fact that any attempt in the past to bring about political solution which was not inclusive nor based on the historical and political rights of the Nagas, was rejected by the people. ‘Inclusive’ must include all Naga people and Naga areas preceded by a fitting form of settlement as Naga political leaders find it dim fit.
Conclusion:
Nagas are so near the end and yet still far away. This is our paradox! The problem with our problem lies within us and to overcome this problem, as well, lies with us. Albeit stated, the FNR is aware of the magnitude of the issue of inclusiveness. To this day, no Naga political leaders have ever said that inclusiveness is not in their agenda. But, each is very careful in not making a blunder. In this the FNR empathizes with them. Therefore, it is in this context that FNR appeals the public to be understanding of the magnitude of the issue involved while supporting the cause.
FNR believes that with courage, will, and imagination the ambivalence can be defeated. Those caught up in the whirlwind of “mutual exclusion” must, by all means, remain vigilant to forces that want to destroy our common belonging. Nagas must echo loud and clear that “we are one and no human force beneath the sun can ever destroy us.”
The Common Journey of Hope has traveled thus far; let us not go back for that would mean irreparable destruction.
Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR)
