Naga political issue: NSCN (IM), WC-NNPG resolve to work together

Dimapur, Sep. 14 (EMN): In a significant development amid the stalemate in the Naga peace process and people’s yearning for a solution to the protracted Naga political issue, the NSCN/GPRN (NSCN-IM) and the Working Committee, Naga National Political Groups (WC-NNPG) on Wednesday resolved to work together and find ways to transcend their differences.

A joint accordant signed by NSCN (IM) Collective Leadership, Gen (Retired) VS Atem, and WC-NNPG Co-ordinator Alezo Venuh stated that the leaders of the two groups met in the presence of the Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR) on September 14, “in the interest of pursuing genuine understanding among the Nagas and incrementally progressing forward”.

In the meeting arranged by the FNR, the house resolved to honour the “Covenant of Reconciliation” (CoR) of June 13 2009, signed by late Isak Chishi Swu, Chairman of NSCN (IM); late SS Khaplang, Chairman of the undivided NSCN (K); and Brig (Retired) S Singnya, Kedahge (President) of FGN, in letter and in spirit.

“Hence, we renew ‘to work together in the spirit of love,’ and desist from all forms of armed violence and refrain from indulging in violence of words through print and social media among Naga Political Groups (NPGs) and the general public. From this time forth, in order to chart a path forward, we remain committed to ‘peace and respect and to resolve outstanding issues among us’,” read the joint accordant.

“We are aware of our differences and hence will guard ourselves against rifts that further divide us. We are committed to finding ways to transcend our differences through co-operation, to be worked out in future meetings, on the basis of the CoR. In this regard, we understand that co-operation which is socially and politically imaginative and prudently concrete is nation building begun,” it added.

The house also requested the people to avoid anything that can bring more division to the Naga society.

“We urgently appeal to all individuals and organisations to refrain from all forms of rhetoric, assumptions and agenda that are divisive. Such a culture must end immediately. In this regard, churches, educational institutions, civil society organisations and conscientious individuals must take the charge to lead with faithful discernment,” it stated.

The groups also stated that they are “committed to a dialogue in order to move forward, live in peace and overcome the cynicism, anxiety, and disagreements that have caused us to see each other as foes and strangers, rather than members of the same family”.

“We solemnly affirm the offer of togetherness from God in Christ. This is the Naga belonging renewed and restored with God and with each other,” read the joint accordant.

It may be recalled that in the June 13 2009 CoR, the signatories had committed “before God to offer ourselves to Naga reconciliation and forgiveness based on the historical and political rights of the Nagas”. It was reaffirmed on September 18, 2010 and the FNR has since been observing June 13 as a day to renew the covenant.

Meanwhile, Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio took to Twitter to express his appreciation for taking the initiative, terming it as a “historic step”.

“I express my deep appreciation to the FNR, the Collective Leadership of NSCN/GPRN and the Working Committee NNPG on the historic step taken in resolving to remain committed to peace, unity, respect and settle outstanding issues. Peace and unity is the only way forward,” he wrote.