In 2009, in our year ending editorial, we had described 2009 as a Year of Change because the Naga people’s aspiration for peace and a common cause especially among the warring Naga political groups was in small measure achieved through the signing of the document “Covenant of Reconciliation” jointly by Isak Chishi Swu, Chairman, NSCN/GPRN; SS Khaplang, Chairman, GPRN/NSCN and Brig (Retd) S Singnya, Kedahge (President), FGN. And one of the immediate outcomes of the “Covenant of Reconciliation” was the formation of a “Joint Working Group” comprising of members from the three political groups. All this had raised hopes of the Naga people that the coming year i.e. 2010 would be able to consolidate the gains made and that the next step in the reconciliation process—the talks at the highest level involving the highest level leaders would become a reality. However as 2010 unfolded and as we come to the fag end of another year gone by, it has been a disappointment as far as the ‘Journey of Common Hope’ goes. The Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR) did bring about a breakthrough of sorts when on September 18, 2010; the Ato Kilonsers of the two NSCNs Th. Muivah and Kitovi Zhimomi were able to meet briefly. However, not much headway has been made, except for a few summit meetings, some joint statements and off course the usual trips to Chiangmai in Thailand. No doubt peace and ceasefire between the groups remained except for some skirmishes. Other than that there has been no real forward movement as far as the Covenant of Reconciliation signed by the three political groups is concerned.
If there has been disappointment with regard to the ‘Journey of Common Hope’, the year 2010 has further jolted the conscience of the Naga people with reports coming out that those in Eastern Nagaland desire to form a State of their own. According to reports, the Eastern Naga People’s Organization (ENPO) has already presented a memorandum to this effect to the Prime Minister of India. This is such depressing news for the Naga people. At a time when we are trying to reconcile our differences and look forward to a common and shared future, all these developments are without doubt a huge setback to the common cause and political aspiration to come together as one people. It seems that only God can now save the Naga people from fragmentation. At this time of great trials and tribulation, we need to ask for God’s wisdom especially for our leaders, whether they are in the Naga political groups, tribal hohos, State government etc. so that they are able to act with maturity, restrain and foresight for the good of the people and not just for one’s own selfish interests or personal agendas. 2011 definitely needs to be a year of prayer to save the Naga people. We need to pray for the success of the reconciliation process and that God will speak to all the Naga national groups—to sit down together and resolve all outstanding issues. Along with this let us pray for the Naga family so that we can counter the difficulties by mutual understanding, building trust and looking at the common good.
