The Naga struggle for self determination has entered the annals of history as one of the world’s longest freedom movement today. Apart from their God-given love for independent life, the seed of self determination was sown in 1918, followed by a people’s charter for freedom submitted to the Simon Commission of British Empire in 1929. The momentum for self determination was crowned with the declaration of independence from any domination in 1947. It was a movement started by a honest and humble people who have unitedly focused themselves on the goal by closing ranks against the ravages of time, war, humiliation, fear and starvation. They faced destruction but nothing destroyed their unity.
Nagas remained faithful to God. Nearly a century later, however today, we are tired and disunited, fractured and on the verge of losing focus on the noble cause. Through many attempts by various people, we have managed to restore order by the initiative of Forum for Naga Reconciliation since 2008 supported by the Church and civil society. The political groups, inspite of serious stray incidents that shook the common man’s faith, have by and large upheld their commitment to the covenant of reconciliation which have shown dramatic results and gained public trust. We want to convey our highest appreciation to all political groups for refraining from killings which is greatly detested by the public.
At this juncture, the reconciliation meeting of leaders at the highest level is on the anvil. Much hope is pinned to this vital meeting. This Sunday evening of March 13, 2011, we are gathered here to express our desire for peace, reconciliation amongst all Naga political groups. We are here to light a candle to signify every individual’s desire and contribution to bring light to the Naga world wrapped in fear and uncertainty. We are here to pray and seek the forgiveness for our collective sins and to invoke the power of Almighty God for restoration. We fervently urge all rank and file, all hierarchy of leadership in all political groups to continue the process of peace culminating in a positive dialogue which we trust will be in the interest of the Nagas. This is our hope to move forward together.
(The above is speech by President, Naga Council Dimapur during the Candlelight Prayer Vigil, City Tower, Dimapur on 13 March, 2011, 6 PM)
Nagas remained faithful to God. Nearly a century later, however today, we are tired and disunited, fractured and on the verge of losing focus on the noble cause. Through many attempts by various people, we have managed to restore order by the initiative of Forum for Naga Reconciliation since 2008 supported by the Church and civil society. The political groups, inspite of serious stray incidents that shook the common man’s faith, have by and large upheld their commitment to the covenant of reconciliation which have shown dramatic results and gained public trust. We want to convey our highest appreciation to all political groups for refraining from killings which is greatly detested by the public.
At this juncture, the reconciliation meeting of leaders at the highest level is on the anvil. Much hope is pinned to this vital meeting. This Sunday evening of March 13, 2011, we are gathered here to express our desire for peace, reconciliation amongst all Naga political groups. We are here to light a candle to signify every individual’s desire and contribution to bring light to the Naga world wrapped in fear and uncertainty. We are here to pray and seek the forgiveness for our collective sins and to invoke the power of Almighty God for restoration. We fervently urge all rank and file, all hierarchy of leadership in all political groups to continue the process of peace culminating in a positive dialogue which we trust will be in the interest of the Nagas. This is our hope to move forward together.
(The above is speech by President, Naga Council Dimapur during the Candlelight Prayer Vigil, City Tower, Dimapur on 13 March, 2011, 6 PM)
