Staff Reporter
DIMAPUR, MARCH 28
Efforts of the Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR) for reconciliation among the Naga Political Groups on Friday saw positive signs towards the Nagas’ desire for ‘one government, one tax’ following 2 days of intensive meetings of High Level leaders of three Naga Political Groups culminating in signing of a ‘Lenten Agreement’.
Addressing a press conference on the concluding day of the meeting at Niathu Resort conference hall, Rev Dr Wati Aier, Convener of FNR, described the meetings as ‘very, very frank and honest’.
“FNR has completed 6 years and now stepping into 7th year but the nature of the meetings (March 27-28) of high level leaders was different – which had not happened before,” Rev Wati told mediapersons.
Apparently pleased seeing the top leaders and Kilonsers of the three groups coming together and interacting in ‘most friendly manner’ during the two days, he expressed hope that this would be a ‘Magna Carta’ in Naga history and ‘another step towards one future’.
Rev Wati said today’s agreement has been named as ‘Lenten Agreement’; since it was arrived at during the Christian season of preparation before Easter which begins 40 days prior to Easter, leaving out Sundays.
When asked if FNR is in touch with other groups, he said, “FNR is in touch with the other groups. We can’t afford to leave aside any group but we can’t force them too.”The meetings over two days were represented by 12 leaders from each group. By next week, each group is expected to nominate members for working out the modalities.
“Recognizing that reconciliation is a continuous process, we urge all Naga political groups to join Naga reconciliation; and to unitedly pursue the Naga political and historical rights for the common good of all,” FNR members said.
Formed in 2008 to reconcilewarring Naga underground outfits, the FNR members drawn from various Naga civil bodies, activists and intellectuals had tried all methods of forging unity including football matches between the various Naga underground outfits both in Nagaland and abroad. Several reconciliation meetings were also convened under the aegis of FNR in Nagaland, Thailand and elsewhere. Following these meetings FNR said enmity was observed to scale down significantly physically and verbally especially in the instances of media war.
Numerous agreements were also signed among the Naga underground outfits to stop hostility among them.
The February 27, 2014 meeting at Niathu Resort in Dimapur was to update the Naga civil organisations about the processes and progresses of the Naga reconciliation.
The ‘Covenant of Naga Reconciliation’ was signed in June 2010, and the ‘Naga concordant’ in August 2011, by the highest leaders of the Naga political groups (underground groups).
The Lenten Agreement was signed by Isak Chishi Swu (Chairman) and Th Muivah (General Secretary) from NSCN/GPRN, Gen (Retd) Khole Konyak (Chairman) and Kitovi Zhimomi (general Secretary) from GPRN/NSCN and Brig (Retd) Singya (President) and Zhopra Vero (Vice President) from NNC/FGN.
LENTEN AGREEMENT, MARCH 2014
(Naga reconciliation: A Journey of Common Hope)
Having reconciled on the basis of the historical and political rights of the Nagas, we recognize that all Nagas must unite in the common purpose towards achieving our Naga political aspirations.
In the Naga reconciliation process, we have committed to move forward together by condemning the past historical mistakes committed at various stages of our history. We also take inspiration in the positive political steps that have sustained and strengthened the Naga movement. Therefore, “having reconciled in the spirit of forgiveness and mutual respect,” we are committed to overcoming our mistakes, while also recognizing and uplifting our achievements and contributions made at various stages of our political history, a stepping stone towards the common Naga future.
As agreed in the “Naga Concordant,” we, in principle agree to the formation of Naga National Government. While, the commitment is a process, until such time, we resolve to work together in the common purpose of achieving Naga political aspirations. This task should begin at the earliest and be completed without delay.
In this, we request the FNR to work out the modalities to expedite the process. While this task is being carried out, we call for the maintenance of status quo, by vigilantly refraining from any unwarranted activities by the Nagas.
Furthermore, in the spirit of Naga Unity, through reconciliation and peace, we remain open to other Naga groups who are committed to the Naga Reconciliation and agree, to abide and uphold its aim and purposes.
