Morung Express News
Dimapur | November 11
After the tremendous success of the historic ‘Reconciliation Soccer’ match held on the 9th of October 2008 at Kohima local ground, by popular demand, history is to be repeated. But this time, the event is to be strategically played out in Dimapur – the hotbed of factional violence in the recent times.
Once again, the Naga civil society, with the Forum for Naga Reconciliation, the “reigning champions”, will attempt to defend their title against the Naga underground workers at DDSC stadium. This time, however, the Naga “political groups” (factions) are prepared for the battle.
The concept of the Reconciliation Soccer match was adopted in the Chiangmai Summit II meet, with the idea of stretching the Naga political dialogue beyond the boardrooms. It was a symbolic gesture to inspire team spirit and cooperation towards achieving a common goal which was continued back in Nagaland through the initiative of the Nagaland Christian Forum and the forum. According to the convener of the forum, Rev. Dr. Wati Aier, the exercise has already proven to be a good therapy and “loosened them up” remarkably even as the process enters into difficult territories.
Rev. Dr. Wati said, that in any kind of conflict situation, it is necessary to be creative to strengthen the process. The soccer match is one such creative direction of the process. “Just their coming together, mingling together and shaking hands of people who have not seen each other in years, it is progress”, the convener said. The entire process is making steady progress and gaining momentum, Dr. Wati said.
A similar opinion was expressed by the former president of the Naga Students’ Federation and now member of the Forum for Naga Reconciliation, Pushika Awomi. The game is indeed helping the process “a lot” Awomi said. Maintaining that all issues cannot be addressed sternly, he said such ‘get-togethers’ pave way to create friendly atmosphere and open minds. Though acknowledging that in the traditional Naga way, the final decision would always come from the top brass people, yet, Pushika believed exercises like the soccer match would help in delivering the message. This would subsequently help in hammering out a final decision, he said.
Speaking from his “army HQ” where cadres are practicing intensely for the coming match, MIP kilonser of the NSCN (IM), Tongmeth Konyak, termed the idea of the game, “very good”. Like all other aspects of the reconciliation process like prayers and singing, the soccer match too, would prove helpful in bringing the different groups closer together. Kilo kilonser of the FGN (Non Accordist), Zaleo echoed a similar sentiment that despite their individual difference and ‘stray incidents’, the common hope and purpose of the Nagas is being displayed in these exhibition matches. Having participated in the first match in Kohima, Zaleo enthusiastically exclaimed that he would be definitely playing again and expressed great optimism that “Nagas will be together one day”.
MIP kilonser of the “GPRN/NSCN”, Alezo termed the exhibition match as a way of showing their commitment to the Naga reconciliation process. Disclosing that there had indeed been some development of understanding among themselves through the earlier matches, Alezo particularly expressed appreciation at the good response from the Naga public.
Also, deputy kilonser of the “GPRN/NSCN” Wangtin Konyak also praised the initiative saying it was a way of showing oneness for a cause, to the gathered public. He said the Naga civil society playing also communicated that the Naga issue is a collective cause. While expressing doubt over his ability to actually get down and play, Wangtin confirmed that he would be there to support the process by wearing a soccer jersey.
Meanwhile, Rev. Dr. Wati Aier disclosed that widows and children who had lost fathers as a result of the factional clashes would also be involved in the coming soccer match in Dimapur. He remained tight lipped on the nature of their involvement though.
The highlight of the match is expected to be the ‘United National Choir’, reportedly a choir of 50 to 60 underground workers of the FGN, NSCN (IM) and GPRN/NSCN (including women cadres), who will be performing two songs on Naga reconciliation. “We have passed the crossroad” says the FNR convener, adding that the Naga political process had also passed the first station beyond the crossroads and there was no going back now.
Rev. Dr. Wati has appealed to the Naga people to understand that it is the little things that make a difference and he has sought to assure that progress was being made and healing has begun. What is now needed is for the people to be supportive, he said and get involved in the reconciliation process. “Reconciliation is no one’s monopoly. We all have a part to make the reconciliation a success” the forum’s convener said. The people could start with the symbolic act of putting up white flags as a show of support for the Naga Reconciliation process, he added.
Meanwhile, the Dimapur Naga Students’ Union calls upon all the denizens of Dimapur to witness the 2nd Reconciliation Soccer match to be played between the Naga “political group” (factions) versus Naga civil society. A press note issued from the DNSU urged all to be a part of the ongoing Naga reconciliation and by 12:00 noon on November 13, at DDSC stadium, be there. The DNSU further requests all the educational institutions in and around Dimapur to send their students of class VIII and above, in their uniforms to witness the said soccer match.
