‘Reconciliation is a shared effort of all’

“We yearn for a future built for common good, of hopes and possibilities”

Dimapur, June 19 (MExN): The efforts being exerted to bring about reconciliation of the Naga “political” groups is a shared effort of all and all Nagas in concern have a stake in it, the Forum for Naga Reconciliation said today. “(Forum for Naga Reconciliation) is not the sole stake holder,” the forum’s convener Rev. Dr. Wati Aier today reminded in a message received here.

“We yearn for a future built for common good, of hopes and possibilities, where young and old will realize their aspirations and be proud of who they are. Allow us to remind the people of the land that the work of reconciliation is a shared effort of all. FNR is not the sole stakeholder. As we have often said, ‘no single individual or an organization has a monopoly on reconciliation. It is God’s grace freely given to all.’ So, we all have a stake in this,” the forum stated.

Here, the forum said Nagas and non-Nagas, Christians and non-Christians living in Naga-land have something in common besides their common humanity – a gift of God.  “We all have this desire for peace, harmony, non-violence and human-hood,” the reverend stated.

Further, the forum said “Naga Reconciliation: A Journey of Common Hope” has become a common phrase today. The journey for the last one year and a half has been no smooth sailing but “we have come thus far by letting our Lord Jesus Christ steer our course”. “We remember the ardent and ceaseless prayers of fathers and mothers, young people taking prayer walks in tears, across the streets of Naga-land; widows and orphans – lamenting at the loss of fathers and dear ones. Words of encouragement have poured in from all corners yet at the same time, many were doubtful, even cynical where this journey was leading to,” Rev. Aier said. 

The journey will continue for many more months and even years, the forum acknowledged. Nonetheless, the forum is joyous at the historic “Covenant of Reconciliation” commitment made by the leaders at the “highest level.” Saluting the leaders for their courageous leap amidst difficult issues to be un-raveled in the days ahead, the Forum for Naga Reconciliation thanks all for their prayerful support. While the issues are being worked out one at a time, the forum appealed, every Naga must focus on the common value of peace and harmony rather than mull on disagreements and differences. 

Advising against falling prey to exaggerated myth-makings and rumors, the forum said these evils cause “unwanted disruptions and misunderstandings”. ‘Let us not demonize the other person or group. All these will only defeat us and take us nowhere,’ it stated. 

Referring to the Naga political issue, the forum also said “rigidity and political orthodoxy” will hamper finding new ways to face the challenges. “Wielding the future of the people and its historical and political rights, one must step from idealism to realism. It will demand of our leaders, tough choices and sometimes this may mean swallowing one’s pride, or make sacrifices to pave the way to a ‘win-win’ outcome,” it stated. 

The reconciliation forum also referred to the common people’s anguish at the “arguments between the parties.” However, the forum reminded that the people do understand the difference between irresponsibility and what is responsibility; what is good and what is not. “This is not a case of relativism but simple of common sense. Let us once again, remember that the preservation of our dreams will depend upon an alert populace. The people will have to guard their rights jealously and vigilantly,” the forum said. 

In the coming months, the forum will be strengthened by the solidarity of the people and will seek advice and prayers the forum for Naga Reconciliation stated. “In the meantime, let patience and faith abide in us. Finally, the foundation for all our expectations demands faith in God and in our people.”

NBCC welcomes commitment

Dimapur, June 19 (MExN): The Nagaland Baptist Church Council on behalf of all its constituent members welcomes the ‘Covenant of Reconciliation’ where the topmost leaders of “NSCN (IM), GPRN-NSCN and FGN” committed to reconciliation. “It welcomes the step taken in this direction as positive effort towards bringing reconciliation to our people and our land. It is hoped  that such move will also pave the way in removing the climate of fear and mistrust and create an environment for achieving the aspiration of all for a sustained reconciliation and a successful nation building,” NBCC said in a message today. The church acknowledged the role played by the Forum for Naga Reconciliation which has been working diligently for peace and unity of the people. “As we look ahead we thank and praise the Almighty God who has given us the strength, the power, wisdom and the grace to sustain us not only for today but also for the days to come,” the church said.

NSF expresses ‘profound contentment’

Dimapur, June 19 (MExN): The Naga Students’ Federation expresses “profound contentment” in welcoming the historic ‘Covenant of Reconciliation and has lauded the Naga “national leaders” of the three Naga groups. The NSF lauded their ‘sagacious resolution’ and commitment made “before God and the people to reconcile and absolve in continuing to work together with their spirit of love and affection, non-violence and reverence towards resolving the long outstanding political issue.”   “Considering the tragedies of untold suffering prone to Naga people for the last more than five decades, the reconciliation is a new ray of hope, a sense of relief and a common passage to step forward in strengthening the search for our justice, peace and aspiration of the Nagas to live together as a people under one political umbrella,” the NSF said in its message. The federation extends total support to the Forum for Naga Reconciliation and commits itself to work for reconciliation, peace and unity.