Naga Reconciliation: A Journey of Common Hope, has become a common phrase today. This journey that we have embarked together for the last 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. Albeit, the journey will continue for many more months, maybe years, today we rejoice at the signing of the historic “Covenant of Reconciliation,” by our leaders at the “Highest Level.” We salute our leaders for their courageous leap amidst difficult issues to be un-raveled in the days ahead. We thank one and all for your prayerful support of the Naga Reconciliation.
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 stake holder. 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.
Nagas and non-Nagas, Christians and non-Christians, living in Naga-Land have something in common besides our common humanity, a gift of God; we all have this desire for peace, harmony, non-violence and human-hood. 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.
The coming months and years will be a testing time for all. As our leaders work out difficult issues it will not be an easy task. Years of conflict built cannot be dismantled overnight. But we are very hopeful at the goodwill and faith of our leaders who in a leap of courage and faith have decided to “reconcile and forgive based on the historical and political rights of the Nagas...to continue to work together in (the) spirit of love, non-violence, peace and respect to resolve issues amongst us.”
While the issues are being worked out, one at a time, the general populace, whether a politician, government servant, church worker, social worker, student, farmer, business person, housewife, etc., each must focus on the common value of peace and harmony rather than mull on our disagreements and differences. Let us say “no” to exaggerated myth makings. Let us guard against rumors which cause unwanted disruptions and misunderstandings. Let us not demonize the other person or group. All these will only defeat us and take us nowhere.
Coming closer to our Naga cause, rigidity and political orthodoxy will hamper finding new ways to face the challenges as we embark on the common journey of hope. 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.
The common people may not always understand the arguments between the parties, but they do understand what is ir-responsibility and what is responsibility; what is good and what is not good. 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.
In the coming months, the FNR will be strengthened by the solidarity of the populace. We will seek your advice and prayers. 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.
Kuknalim!
Wati Aier
Forum for Naga Reconciilation
