The historic covenant of reconciliation signed by top leaders of the NSCNs and FGN as part of the ongoing Chiangmai Naga peace summit needs to be welcomed. Due credit goes to the statesmanship shown by the signatories to pursue a new path of peace and cooperation. The Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR) deserves to be congratulated for their continuing efforts to bring about peace and reconciliation among the warring Naga groups. There have been many skeptics especially among the Naga public who doubted whether peace could ever be achieved among the warring groups. But to the credit of the FNR, they have shown that with the right intention, positive thinking and sincerity, even the impossible can be achieved. And one year back who would have thought that a covenant could be signed between Messrs Isak Chishi Swu, SS Khaplang and Brig (Retd) S Singnya. One should in particular take note of the measured approach of the FNR, its ability to walk the tightrope while dealing with the factions, the skills demonstrated to diffuse tensions and most importantly the patience it has shown to engage in the process as well as the inclusive nature of the process itself. As the FNR Convenor Rev Dr Wati Aier has repeatedly emphasized, reconciliation is a process. There can be no immediate end result. What is required is outmost commitment and patience. One can now say that the renewed focus on reconciliation is starting to bear fruits. It is there for all to see and experience—the peace and tranquility compared to the months of bloodshed in the first 6 months of the year 2008 when peace was at its lowest ebb.
While every Naga has reasons to celebrate the forward movement taking place in the reconciliation process, yet no one should be under the illusion that the job is near complete or that reconciliation among the warring groups is a done deal. There are still challenges to overcome and important steps required in order to take the process to its logical conclusion. In fact difficult issues will come up. It will require the same patience and persistence from the FNR and the national groups to overcome the hurdles. The FNR should remain aware on the need to keep the momentum going and take the logical next step, the programme of ‘action’ as rightly pointed out by the FNR Convenor. While it is agreed that reconciliation is a process and involves patience and time, yet the FNR will be aware that dragging the matter for too long may only lead to frustration and fatigue thereby endangering the reconciliation process itself. While the objective of strengthening the process will require daily dose of confidence building measures, simultaneously “substantive” issues will now have to be brought to the table. As much as reconciliation is a process, there has to be outcomes as well. The signing of the covenant by the three leaders is one such outcome. To ensure success of the reconciliation process, such outcomes will remain important in the weeks and months ahead. As laid out in the latest peace covenant, the leaders of all warring groups should continue to work together in this spirit of love, non-violence, peace and respect in order that this will lead to resolution of all outstanding issues amongst them.
