ACAUT advocates for inclusive approach on Naga peace deal

EMN DIMAPUR, AUGUST 17 ACAUT Nagaland has invoked spirit of the Covenant of Reconciliation (2009), the Naga Concordant (2011) and the Lenten Agreement (2014) – sealed under the initiative of Forum for Naga Reconciliation – as the guiding principle for the Nagas to work towards an “inclusive approach” vis-à-vis the Indo-Naga framework agreement. “While it is clear that Modi’s government is keen on a Naga settlement, it is also very obvious that unless simmering differences are uprooted in the true Christian spirit of forgiveness as befits the slogan “Nagaland for Christ,” deep underlying suspicions, hurts, and discontentment may result in the to-be-Naga Accord birthing more conflict,” ACAUT said in a statement issued today. The Naga people are once again reminded of the lost opportunity of 1964-68, not the least due to petty politics, for which Nagas are still in mourning, it stated. “If Modi is ready, Nagas should be ready too.” It also acknowledged Prime Minister, Modi for mustering the “political spine” to “seize the initiative and actualized” the framework agreement with NSCN (IM). “However, there is much work to be done, including baring the contents of the framework by the NSCN-IM and the GoI for deliberation with stakeholders before the final accord is signed and sealed as a Naga Accord.” It reminded that the ACAUT memorandum to the Prime Minister on November 30 in 2014 had addressed the very issue and pleaded with the PM “to take into confidence all the stake holders whose lives will invariably be affected by whatever settlement is arrived at…and the conclusion of any settlement does not spawn a post settlement conflict which can become a much graver issue destroying Naga society.”