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Members of a choir from one of the Naga groups stand in prayer as Rev. Dr. Wati Aier, bowed in prayer, during the programme in Dimapur on Wednesday. (EM Images / Arien Jamir)[/caption]
Eastern Mirror Desk
Dimapur, June 13 (EMN): The Naga political groups have reaffirmed their commitment to reconciliation, which was declared during a Forum for Naga Reconciliation event on Wednesday in Dimapur.
Leaders of various Naga underground organisations stated the commitment at the ninth anniversary programme of the ‘covenant of reconciliation’ at the Dimapur’s Ao Baptist Arogo in Duncan Basti.
A leader of the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (NSCN-IM), steering committee's convener in-charge V Makritsu said “We reiterate our stand that together we have started it, together we shall finish it. NSCN shall never back out from its commitment to it… now is the time of the Nagas to reassemble under one political roof.”
A leader of the NSCN (unification) advisor to the group's collective leadership C Singson also responded to the vision of the forum’s reconciliation. He remarked: 'We look forward to partnering FNR in our common endeavour to foster brotherhood, peace, and unity in our land.’ Leaving aside all the difference as a person, as political leaders with contrasting ideology and principles, the group assured “to learn to accept each other through reconciliation and love for the nation (Naga-Land).”
The president of the Naga National Council ‘general (retired)’ Thinoselie M Keyho, also called for unity. He insisted that the FNR bring all the groups to reconciliation.
Although no representative from the NSCN (Khaplang) could turn up for the programme, the media was informed that the organisation had 'confirmed support to the FNR’s agreement.'
Dr. Wati Aier, convenor of the FNR, said during the programme that ‘common will is required to lead us to the future.’ The forum believes that the objective begins with imagining the future from today, he said.
‘Together, we want to connect the divide and build bridges. FNR believes that we can talk about both the terrible things of the past so as to forgive one another and restore healthy living.’ He encouraged the citizens to rise up, participate, and look forward to what can done.
Some of the Naga youths at the event spoke of hope for a better future. A youth representative Rakodu Nukhu said, ‘If this Naga hope is mutual and established upon right foundation guided by faithful hearts, minds, hands, and feet, could we go wrong?’ Further, he hoped that ‘the leaders to love the Lord, love the nation, and weep for theirs and the peoples’ misgivings.’
Losses and forgiveness
Personal losses due to factional killings were also testified by two persons. Visasier Kevichusa spoke about his journey of forgiveness for the perpetrator who killed his father and uncle years ago. Defining forgiveness, Kevichusa said it means to never bring up the same issue to avenge the perpetrator. He added, it does not mean one has to stop remembering the painful memories but to choose to move on and to live for the present.
The programme also saw the release of a book by Rev. Dr. VK Nuh titled ‘Walking the Naga Day.’ The participants were treated to ‘Naga reconciliation’ and ‘Kuknalim’ performed by a combined choir of the Naga political groups and the Naga Day Choir.
Further, Eustar Chishi Swu, the widow of the late Isak Chishi Swu, spoke during the programme. A prayer reaffirming the Covenant of Reconciliation was said by Rev. Dr. Paphino, vice president of the Nagaland Joint Christian Forum.