Swift moves of good and evil are taking shape in great finesse in the global front. Naga-Land is no exception. Often, the closer to home or within the home, issues become most intractable. People of Naga-Land cannot defend what is ours if we are in conflict within us and with the democratic values and powers that exists. As FNR has stated often and agreed upon by the Naga Political groups (NPGs), we must abide by the 14 September 2022 statement, that reads: “WE ARE AWARE OF OUR DIFFERENCES and hence we guard ourselves against rifts that further divides us. We are committed to transcend our differences through cooperation, to be worked out . . . on the basis of Covenant of Reconciliation. In this regard, we understand that cooperation which is socially and politically imaginative and prudently concrete is nation building begun.” (Signed by the NSCN IM, Collective Leadership and Coordinator, Working Committee, NNPG on 14 September, 2022).
Since 13 June, 2009, with the signing of the “Covenant of Reconciliation” (CoR), Nagas are experiencing the cessation of violent confrontation, which was a daily phenomena in the decades of the 1990s and 2000s. It is therefore, imperative that all NPGs and the public know that the CoR is binding and no one shall break this Sacred Covenant signed before God and the people.
Warrior instinct of the war cry by different individuals and cultural (“tribe”) groups are only a needed information passing on to interested parties. Our war cry does not help the Naga spirit; it only weakens. Today, we must think and act differently without giving in. This is the missing paradox of the Naga people. In other words, we must “move on without diverting.” Let us give this chance without delay. The public mandate just around the Naga “Morung” should not be taken lightly.
In order to “defend” the relative rights of the Nagas, cooperating within us and with “them”, we are going to definitely protect and strengthen Naga-Land.
This is not the time to take a backward looking view of history, no matter how tall and dignified it may be. To be sure without abandoning history, the Nagas must move on. Let us not despair at the present snags and unlighted highway. Urgently, this is the time to cooperate, organise, mobilise and stay engaged with all stakeholders for “an honourable” imaginative Naga political solution. Do not delay!
Forum for Naga Reconciliation
