The Forum for Naga Reconciliation came into existence in 2008 with the purpose of making reconciliation possible among the Naga political groups along the basis of the political and historical rights of the Nagas. Its formation took place during a time of deep suspicion, violence and anguish. Since then the Forum for Naga Reconciliation has toiled to break down the walls of division, to end violence and conflict and to help construct a journey of common hope. Having accomplished various stages of the Naga Reconciliation process, the Forum for Naga Reconciliation finds it imperative at this juncture to engage in honest evaluation and self-renewal, so that the remaining stages of the Naga Reconciliation process is attainable. The Forum for Naga Reconciliation convened between June 18-25, 2010 in Chiangmai, Thailand; and after evaluating the process of the last 28 months we find it most appropriate and timely to make ‘A Statement of Renewal,’ which states:
1. While recognizing the various initiatives for reconciliation, we wish to restate that the Forum for Naga Reconciliation was formed as an outcome of the Naga Peace Convention organized by the Naga Shisha Hoho in February 2008. The Forum for Naga Reconciliation was not handed down by any organization or political group, but was inspired and led through divine intervention;
2. In the course of the journey towards Naga Reconciliation, the Forum for Naga Reconciliation acknowledges that we must have been insensitive and unintentionally hurt the feelings of individuals and organizations through our words, actions and silence; and therefore we take this opportunity to say we are sincerely sorry and seek forgiveness from all those we have hurt;
3. As we renew ourselves, the Forum for Naga Reconciliation pledges to work for Naga Reconciliation with no bias, preference, or affiliation towards any individual or group, but by upholding the common interests and rights of Naga people;
4. A genuine and lasting reconciliation can be achieved when there is a climate of mutual respect and mutual recognition. Therefore the approach to reconciliation using a selective ‘pick and choose policy’ must be a practice of the past; and an open attitude of acceptance needs to be embraced;
5. We applaud the signatories of the Covenant of Naga Reconciliation for their commitment to uphold the spirit of reconciliation through forgiveness and humility. The Forum for Naga Reconciliation is encouraged by their action to end all forms of violence in toto and we are strengthened by their continued support towards this endeavor;
6. The Naga political history is entrenched with violence and conflict, personal and collective pain, and therefore the Forum for Naga Reconciliation urges the Naga political groups to embrace repentance, forgiveness and acceptance among themselves and with the Naga public, so that healing becomes possible and Naga people can become whole again; and
7. The Forum for Naga Reconciliation recognizes the urgent need for the Joint Working Group comprised of the NNC/FGN, GPRN/NSCN, NSCN/GPRN to jointly agree on a consultative mechanism. The consultative mechanism will concentrate:
i) To arrive at a common understanding and a position on what constitutes the political and historical rights of the Nagas;
ii) To discuss and explore ways in which the Naga political groups can jointly find a solution based on the political and historical rights of the Nagas;
iii) To initiate confidence building activities and to strengthen mutual trust and respect by jointly implementing decisions and activities related to Naga reconciliation;
iv) To constructively address all contentious issues without making any provocative statement in print or/and visual media, and any provocative action which contravenes the Covenant of Naga Reconciliation and the subsequent decisions agreed to by the Joint Working Group; and
v) To facilitate and expedite the Reconciliation meeting at the highest level between the signatories of the Covenant of Reconciliation, the Forum for Naga Reconciliation urges the signatories to maintain ‘status quo.’ While affirming that no one should be barred from going to ones native village, the Forum for Naga Reconciliation appeals to the NSCN/GPRN to review and keep in abeyance the remaining part of its ‘Goodwill Mission’ to enable the Forum for Naga Reconciliation to initiate a reconciliation meeting at various levels of the political leadership.
Experience has shown that it is not an easy road to reconciliation. The journey towards reconciliation is filled with pitfalls and challenges. Yet the deep yearning for Naga unity and the soulful prayers of the people has persuaded the Naga political groups and the Forum for Naga Reconciliation to explore all possibilities until Naga Reconciliation: A Journey of Common Hope is accomplished.
Today, reconciliation through repentance, forgiveness and mutual respect is no longer a choice, it is an absolute necessity. The Forum for Naga Reconciliation therefore urges the Naga people to live in accordance with the spirit of true reconciliation. For the sake of the Naga future, it is imperative that Naga Reconciliation must triumph.
Forum for Naga Reconciliation
