Morung Express News
Dimapur | August 25
The Forum for Naga Reconciliation today expressed optimism that the process of reconciliation among the different Naga ‘political’ groups initiated by the forum more than a year ago, is heading cautiously in the right direction. “I think we have achieved eighty five percent of our tasks….We are not dwelling on the past anymore, pointing fingers at each other, but looking forward to the future,” the forum’s convenor Rev. Dr. Wati Aier told media-persons during an interlude of the closed door meeting the forum had with senior functionaries of the “GPRN/NSCN,” NSCN (IM) and FGN, here at Development Association of Nagaland Training Center at Chekiye village.
Rev. Aier said that the “Covenant of Reconciliation” document signed by the top leadership of the three groups at Chiang Mai in Thailand, earlier in the month of June, has accelerated the process of reconciliation and that there was no turning back now. “Reconciliation is not an option any longer. It is the highest obligation for the Nagas,” the forum’s convenor stated in a press statement, copies of which were released to mediapersons.
Referring to the “Covenant of Reconciliation,” Rev. Aier in the statement said, “Nagas have written a new chapter, to my mind, the most important chapter in the history of Naga freedom movement.” “One concern that we brought out in today’s meeting is for top leaders of various Naga political groups to meet together at the earliest,” he said.
He also informed that today’s meeting reaffirmed the resolutions of the August 22 meeting, in which it was agreed upon that the various groups should continue to restrain themselves from offensive activities, to be vigilant of anti-social elements and to refrain from making provocative statements against each other in the media.
On the “environment” during such joint meetings, forum member Neingulo Krome said, “the environment when we started and where we are now is very different. It has improved a lot and hostility is not like before anymore.” He also said “willingness to listen to each other’s point of view” on the part of the ‘political’ groups has increased.
Also, forum member Aküm Longchari said that during the reconciliation process the participants have shown “personal transformation,” and added that the transformation in their thinking and the growth in their openness have strengthened the Naga reconciliation process to move forward. He said that although from a distance, the “Covenant of Reconciliation” may appear to be just a document; in reality the ‘Covenant,’ has historic implications for the Naga future.
While admitting the presence of “detriments” even after signing the “Covenant of Reconciliation,” the member however said the “covenant” has allowed the participants to view issues from a more positive perspective.
Naga Mothers’ Association president Khesheli, who is also a member of the forum said, “in the beginning they (Naga ‘political’ groups) were a bit hesitant to approach each other. Now things have improved. I think they have come to know each other’s feelings. If this continues, then definitely a meeting point can come.”
Meanwhile, Rev. Dr. Wati Aier said Wednesday’s meeting at Hotel Saramati is to apprise the public of the developments and progress made in the Naga reconciliation process and to seek the opinions and suggestions of the people.
