FNR reiterates mantra: ‘Refrain from violence of words’

Dimapur, Oct. 18 (EMN): At a time when deep divisions within the Naga society appear to find expression almost on a daily basis on various platforms and media, the Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR) has reminded Naga leaders as well as the public that violence of words is also a weapon of conflict.

The forum issued a statement on Sunday asserting that in such a time, it becomes equally imperative that all Naga political groups, tribal organisations, civil society organisations and the church retrospect the past as much as to move forward by reinventing imaginative new models of constructive nationalism, based on Naga history and political rights, through non-violence, peace and understanding.

“Towards this goal, the signatories of the ‘Covenant of Reconciliation’ have agreed on numerous joint statements for a non-violent peaceful resolution until the consummation of the Naga political process and thereafter. Along the way, CoR signatories have agreed to detest and reject in toto, provocative and idolatry of words that injure and hurt others realising that violence of guns is not the only weapon of conflict but also the violence of words in all forms of media (paraphrase). All outstanding differences among the signatories need to be addressed through mutual respect and dialogue.

“While the public acknowledges that Naga political groups exist within their boundaries, this must never hold back the need to embrace Naga belonging through nonviolence and peace. At this crucial time, when the inhabitants of our land await with much hope, one’s insensitivity can be damaging to the process. Human foible is critical of everybody except own self. While one remains lenient towards the self, let us also be slow to judge others,” read the statement.

At this moment, the FNR stated, Naga national political leaders and tribal and civil society organisations need to set and practice “tone at the top” by reflecting in each one’s personal conduct—a commitment to integrity and ethics.

“The present situation needs the leaders to reach out to one another and provide healing leadership and solidarity,” it stated, adding that the NFR will remain committed to the mandate assigned by 47 Naga tribal organisations, church and other related bodies on September 24, 2008, at Sumi Baptist Church, Dimapur.