Morung Express News
Dimapur | August 5
Another new chapter has been written in the history of the long-drawn Naga political struggle as the GPRN/NSCN and NNC/FGN today made public the “unconditional unity” signed between the two groups at the Monyakshu conclave on July 15 last.
“When Nagas were passing through a dark phase of our history where senseless killing and bloodshed prevailed among the various political groups, God answered the prayers of our people by bringing about the ‘Covenant of Reconciliation’ and then the unconditional unity between the NNC/FGN and GPRN/NSCN,” said NNC/FGN vice president Zhopra Vero at a thanksgiving service for the “unconditional unity” held here at Vihokhu village.
Quoting from the book of Ecclesiastes “There is a time for everything and a season for every activity under Heaven…” Zhopra who is also co-convenor of the coordination committee of GPRN and FGN, said he believed that the time has now come for Nagas to reconcile, bury all differences and unite without any pre-conditions, as done by the two groups. He said in the past several attempts were made to solve the Naga political issue but that they became at best only piecemeal solutions, which could neither be meaningful or lasting, partially because the Naga political groups were not united and did not proceed with a consensus based on the aspirations of the people and, partially because the Government of India was also not true and sincere.
The FGN President said that believing firmly that there should be first unity among the Nagas accommodating the desires and aspirations of the Naga people in order to bring a lasting and honourable solution to the Naga political issue, the NNC/FGN and GPRN/NSCN on July 15 at Monyakshu village, Konyak region, agreed to unconditionally unite in upholding and implementing the commitment of the “Covenant of Reconciliation.” He also said that the Monyakshu conclave resolved to evolve a common platform with equal participation of Naga people to expedite final settlement of the Naga political issue. “The Monyakshu conclave declaration is not an end but a beginning. We have united not for our personal cause, nor for political Groups’ vested interest but for Naga cause,” Zhopra added.
Envoy to collective leadership, GPRN/NSCN, and co-convenor of co-ordination committee (GPRN and FGN) Kughalu Mulatonu in his address termed the unconditional unity as “one definition of the Naga unity” and called upon all sections of Nagas to spread the message of “our unconditional unity.”
“This is not a political propaganda; it is a political event, a precise terminology of Naga politics,” he said. The GPRN envoy said the unity was due to the “unsparing sacrifices of the Forum for Naga Reconciliation, the Quakers, North Atlanta Baptist Peace fellowships, and churches in Australia, Netherlands, Denmark and others.
“Reiterating our unconditional unification, the co-ordination committee met and resolved on July 18, 2010, to give a joint statement on July 19 giving a clarion to all the other groups. We have a policy of ‘communion, political unison and strategy to solve’ and hence there will be no space of leaving anyone outside the walls of unconditional unification,” he informed. He also urged the churches, civil societies and NGOs to play comprehensive ‘pressure role’ so that “our school of politics, social and religion do not collide by lack of communication and improper institutionalization. “We shall sail together on the same waters but in a different ship... we will have the same vision but demonstrate thousand dreams, we will fight together but on different battle fields… There is a pinnacle higher than this, we can share the same victory and one crown – which is sovereignty of the Nagas. I believe, a new level of political momentum has been achieved among the Nagas and with our movement engulfing the massive strength of people, we will take this triumphant journey to its zenith,” he said.
Representatives of civil society including Naga Hoho, Eastern Nagaland People’s Organization, Naga Mothers’ Association, Naga Students’ Federation; Forum for Naga Reconciliation, Sumi Hoho and Nagaland Tribal Joint Co-ordination Committee also conveyed solidarity to the Naga reconciliation and unity process.
Naga Civil Society Groups who spoke during the thanksgiving service to mark the unconditional unity between the GPRN/NSCN and NNC/FGN appreciated the step taken to strengthen unity and reconciliation among the Nagas. While stressing on the need for Reconciliation among the Nagas, several speakers pointed out that Naga Reconciliation must be inclusive of all Naga groups.
The Naga Hoho representative pointed out that Naga Reconciliation should be inclusive of all Naga groups and Naga areas. The president of the Naga Mothers Association affirmed that they opposed all forms of violence under the theme “Shed no more blood.” While extending their support for Naga Reconciliation, the civil society groups added that reconciliation should include all Naga political groups. NSF president said there should be inclusive reconciliation and not exclusive reconciliation. The Naga National Workers People Support Group expressed their support to Naga Reconciliation and stated that they wanted an end to bloodshed among the Naga brethrens.
ENPO advisor lamented on the divisions among the Nagas and pointed out that unity and reconciliation among Nagas is paramount. He added that Reconciliation must include all groups. The ENPO advisor pointed out that the Naga public must be truthful to each other and that they should speak the truth without fear. He pointed out that the killing among the Nagas is a shame before the world. He therefore said that the Naga public must tell the Naga political groups the need to unite and reconcile among Nagas.
Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR) member Rev VK Nuh who spoke the solidarity message affirmed the commitment of FNR to Naga reconciliation based on the ‘covenant of reconciliation’ and urged that talks at the highest level of the three signatories to the Covenant of Reconciliation to be held at the earliest. The Sumi Hoho representative welcomed the unconditional unity of the two groups. On the division among the Nagas the Sumi Hoho questioned as to how long “we can live in a state of suspicion and confusion. Chancel Choir of Mokokchung, Patkai Christian College Choral and Scripture Force of GPRN/NSCN also sang on the occasion.
