Dimapur, August 26 (MExN): In the backdrop of the clash between cadres of the two NSCN groups at Mekokla village, the Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR) has made it clear that the voice of the Naga people is for reconciliation. A press statement from the FNR pointed out that “not until there is reconciliation, will the compulsion for revengeful action be overcome” and that for this very reason, the Naga people have voiced for reconciliation.
Stating that the “scheme of the divided world has eaten so deeply into our thought and feeling”, the FNR noted that “it is our unease which often has taught us to hate the ‘other’. “The ‘being different’ of the other is no longer endured. Let us be objective and rationale that our problem is rooted in the enormous and overpowering unease which is the by-product of hate and bitterness”, the FNR stated. Pointing out that so far, Nagas have made the cost of reconciliation clear, the FRN reminded that after “much sacrifice and courage”, Naga people are “harvesting the fruit of relative peace”. “Reconciliation has been expensive but nonetheless, worth every single penny. This hard earned peace requires perseverance and risk taking. A person without having perseverance and risk taking is empty of a future”.
Pointing out that along the Journey of Common Hope of the Nagas, it had experienced defeats and victories, the FNR expressed sadness over the August 26, 2010, Mekokla incident “where one of our own is no more with us today”. “Whatever, the reasons may have been, the FNR, make this immediate plea to “restrain all forms of offensive activities” as agreed upon by the signatories of the “Covenant of Reconciliation,” on several occasions”.
The FNR also expressed dismay and sadness at the Tizit incident of August 26, 2010, where “one of our own was shot dead by the security force”. According to the FNR, the “cry of the public is not to hear defensive versions of the incident but imagine if both parties had restrained themselves at all costs” and that “we all could have been in a brighter, stronger position today”.
The FNR has called upon all concerned groups to give peace a chance. “After all, there is no one who does not want peace”.
