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Dimapur, Nov. 22 (EMN): The working committee of Naga national political groups (WC-NNPG) has never wavered from the idea of reconciliation ‘even though the Naga people have now shifted the focus from reconciliation and unity to practical and realistic Indo-Naga political solution and rightly so’, according to one of its top leaders.
“Today, although complete reconciliation and unity is yet to be achieved, nevertheless the spirit and commitment of Covenant of Reconciliation is pretty much a working principle of WC-NNPG. In unity and comradeship, the seven Naga political groups (WC-NNPG) are on a threshold of a political solution that is honourable and acceptable to the Naga people,” said Gen. (Retd) MB Neokpao Konyak, the president of GPRN/NSCN, during the 13th Naga Unification Day at Khehoi designated camp on Sunday.
In his speech — copies of which were emailed to the local newspapers — the GPRN/NSCN leader recalled that thirteen years ago, after selfless and committed efforts from church leaders, tribal hoho leaders and GB/DBs, the cabinet-status leaders of NSCN (IM) and NSCN (K), with due approval of their respective chairmen (both departed now) Isak Chishi Swu and SS Khaplang, took a bold and unprecedented decision to meet arch rivals and vouch for Naga unity.
‘Preparing for any eventuality, the leaders met and deliberated threadbare on November 21 and the 22nd at Hovishe village in Niuland area; all grounds were cleared and Naga unification was agreed upon. On November 23, 2007, Azheto Chophy, the then ‘kilo kilonser’ of NSCN (IM), and C Singson, the then ‘cabinet kilonser’ in the NSCN (K), in presence of hundreds of national workers of both sides, signed the unification pact, taking a significant step towards a much needed Naga unity,’ he said.
Konyak maintained that the unification effort on November 22, 2007, remains a key milestone in Naga history, which “opened a genuine door to Naga nationalist leaders and followers to retrospect and reconcile with one another”.
“It is true that 2007 Naga unification effort had the endorsement and approval of both presidents i,e Isak Chishi Swu and SS Khaplang. However, the former was later forced to deviate from his long nurtured vision. Once more, politics killed an answered prayer.
“As a result, many Naga patriots had to pay with their lives. A grim reminder that Naga leaders failed miserably at a crucial hour! God seldom opposes reconciliation between enemies. Those who truly trusts Him, there is no open door or closed door reconciliation. Naga history bears witness as to who stifled Naga unity and reconciliation process. The same formula is visible even today in the impending Indo-Naga political solution,” said Konyak.
Then, on May 7, 2008, the Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR) came into being and took the reins of future peace and reconciliation meetings between various Naga political groups, he said.
Since then several ‘historic meetings’ among the Naga groups have taken place, including the one that culminated in the signing of the Covenant of Reconciliation on June 13, 2009, Konyak recalled.
“GPRN/NSCN salutes all Naga comrades who have sacrificed their lives to propagate peace and unity amongst Naga brothers. Appreciation and gratitude goes to the FNR, churches, GBs, DBs, tribal hohos, mothers, students, intellectuals, concerned Naga citizens and well-wishers who assisted, prayed and expressed solidarity during the tumultuous days of Naga unification.
“Today, with an added responsibility and intent to entrench Naga historical and political right, and to fulfil the aspiration of our people for a common future through early Indo-Naga political solution, GPRN/NSCN is committed to continue partnering WC-NNPG and work in close collaboration with 14 tribes of Nagaland, Nagaland Gaon Burah Federation (NGBF), Nagaland Tribes Council(NTC), Eastern Naga People’s Organisation (ENPO), Central Nagaland Tribes Council (CNTC), churches, peace mediators, concerned senior citizens, intellectuals and all sections of Naga society. We will continue to reach out and consult our very own Naga brethren in Myanmar, Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam and also maintain cordial relationship with our neighbours for peaceful harmonious co-existence,” he shared.