Prologue:
The cultural and political history of the Naga people is unique as much as other peoples of the world. As such, while we respect the rights of others, we the Nagas have safeguarded our historical and political rights all these decades. Notwithstanding, forces from within and without have badly divided the Nagas. This division wedged into our history has left us with fierce confrontations leading to hate and anger, pain and hurt, wounds and scars, vengeance and bitterness, and memories unforgettable. In such a context the Naga national political parties, frontal organizations, the Church, civil societies have made a solemn commitment to “the process of genuine Reconciliation, Unity, and Peace among the Nagas…and there is no turning back” (Participants of Chiang Mai III -“A Covenant of Common Hope”).
Today, the voices for reconciliation and unity have grown into a force to be reckoned with. This is the truth! We are here, as God and the Naga people would want us to act, willing and daring.
FNR believes that reconciliation has begun. Nevertheless, it cannot come from sitting in our position. It cannot come from pre-conceived minds. It will never come, in our context, by pre-impositions from above. It will come only when Reconciliation can be given a sacrificial leap, a tough love, transcending all ill and mistrust of the past. To cling to the past is to be a victim in the present. In sacrificial leap and tough love reconciliation can be given a rightful opportunity by reciprocating in openness and willingness. But above all Naga reconciliation has to be based on the “historical and political rights of the Nagas.” Time and again, all Naga political groups in principle have made commitments and have expressed the desire for Naga reconciliation based on our inalienable rights.
Albeit, Nagas have detailed historical documentation of our rights, others may implicate a case of “historicism” to our interpretations. Therefore, despite our rich documentation, FNR today is putting into record that the “historical and political rights of the Nagas,” unequivocal to the Nagas, are the following:
1. Naga People’s Memorandum of 1929, known as the “Simon Commission,” stating “Nagas should be left alone to decide our own future.” The twenty signatories on January 10, 1929, also attested to the fact all Naga regions who are not signatories due to communication difficulties are also included. (We must bear in mind that in 1929, transportation as we see today was not possible and there was not a single telephone line in the Naga Hills)
2. The British India Act of 1935, declared “Naga Hills” as “Excluded Area” from India. It must be noted that the “whole of Naga areas were left as Naga Hills Excluded Area.” It is also important to note that the British Government and the Queen of England authorized Sir, Robert Reid to map the Excluded Naga country.
3. The Memorandum of Shri Akbar Hyderi, June 26, 1947, stating that the “Naga National council stands for the solidarity of all the Naga regions….(and) the Nagas right to self-determination.”
4. Nagas declared 14 August, 1947, as Naga Independence Day. In a solemn function at Mission Compound, Kohima, the Naga Flag was hoisted. The solemn function was attended Mr. C R Pawsey, the then Deputy Commissioner, Naga Hills district and Rev. Geo Supplee, USA Missionary.
5. The historic “Naga Plebiscite” of May 16, 1951, where an overwhelming majority of 99.9% of the Naga people mandated to be an independent nation.
The Present Naga Reconciliation: Ipso Facto
Since March 2008, the “Naga Political Groups” (now as Joint Working Group) and the FNR have achieved significant growth in the area of Naga Reconciliation. This is a matter of fact and open for all to see and witness.
Contextually, the Naga Reconciliation has two levels:
The first level is the spiritual dimension on an individual and collective basis, before God and fellow beings. The reconciliation process has started and will go on as long as human history persists. Hence, reconciliation is dynamic.
Fallen humanity in a fallen world needs reminders that “All have sinned and have come short of the glory of God.” Therefore none is righteous and perfect. Righteousness and perfection is of God. To look at others’ mistakes and not admit one’s own failure will always face people’s judgment and above all God’s displeasure.
The Journey of Common Hope calls for constant reminders that before God and his people we are all accountable.
The Second level is the political dimension of reconciliation. Often, we are all faced with questions in this area. When will it happen? What are the conditions? And so on.
It must be noted that with the signing of the “Covenant of Reconciliation” by Brig (Retd) S Singnya, President, FNG/NNC; Mr. Isak Chishi Swu, Chairman, NSCN/GPRN, and Mr. SS Khaplang, Chairman, GPRN/NSCN, the “Naga Political Reconciliation” has already occurred in principle.
Thus, the Covenant of Reconciliation (COR) reads as follows:
“Having been deeply convicted by God’s call in Christ, and the voice of the Naga people, for Reconciliation, we hereby solemnly commit before God to offer ourselves to Naga Reconciliation and forgiveness based on the historical and political rights of the Nagas. We resolve to continue to work together in the spirit of love, non-violence, peace, and respect to resolve outstanding issues amongst us.”
Our leaders’ commitment cannot be taken lightly.
Having reconciled, what is next? The answer lies in the COR: “We resolve to continue to work together in the spirit of love, non-violence, peace, and respect to resolve outstanding issues amongst us.”
Across-the-board: Ipso Facto
Since May 2008, Naga Reconciliation: A Journey of Common Hope has been at times, unpredictable and at other times, intentional. The signing of the “Covenant of Reconciliation” in June 2009 has been the cornerstone of unfolding a new era for the Nagas. It has opened vistas of access to free movement among the signatories of the covenant and this provided the avenue for free dialogue among them.
The Journey of Common Hope was taken to different districts of Naga areas by the JWG and the FNR under the goodwill of the respective Hohos, Unions and Councils.
Similarly, Mr. Th. Muivah, Hon’ble Ato Kilonser, NSCN/GPRN, heralded the message of Naga reconciliation during his goodwill mission to the Naga people. After everything has been said and done, one can reflect back and appreciate the journey to the hearts and minds of the Naga people by the Ato Kilonser. This very journey is a reminder to the Nagas that reconciliation is no one’s monopoly but in often remarkable ways fit into the jig-saw puzzle yet to complete.
The Monyakshu Conclave of July 15, 2010, between the GPRN/NSCN and the FGN/NNC is yet another one of those “unpredictable” happenings in the Journey of Common Hope. Nagas must appreciate the sacrificial leap and tough love these two groups had to wrestle within themselves in order to reach where they are today. This is also another remarkable event in our history.
Nevertheless, the GPRN/NSCN, FGN/NNC and the NSCN/GPRN understand that there awaits a final touch to the Naga reconciliation. Though, as stated above, “Nagas are reconciled in principle” yet the consummation has not occurred. This is the paradox! The undeniable consequence is simply this - all must converge onto the “historical and political rights of the Nagas,” without any condition. Let us be reminded that this has been agreed upon by the signatories of the Covenant of Reconciliation and there is no turning back.
Consummation of the Naga Reconciliation: Ipso Facto
The FNR has given credit to the NSCN/GPRN for its achievement “between two political entities” at the highest --Prime Ministerial level. This achievement by the NSCN/GPRN is not their property alone but the common belongingness of the Nagas.
Notwithstanding the credit given, Naga political groups must be prepared for a dynamic paradigm shift. This requires a sacrificial leap and tough love. Today, we ought to opt by shifting from idealism to realism, from dogmatism to openness, and from pick and choose to inclusivity. This will require a man and woman of character who is willing to set free the self first before trying to set others free.
To consummate the Naga reconciliation, the FNR calls upon the signatories of the “Covenant of Reconciliation” to meet without delay, led by the highest level leaders available, at a suitable locality. However, FNR reiterates that reconciliation must be for the above said purpose undermined by realism. Our purpose is to come together upholding the historical and political rights of the Nagas with the goal to solve our (Nagas) outstanding issues among us and work out the future together, even agreeing to disagree in solidarity.
Along this process, the FNR calls upon the signatories of the Covenant to include other Naga political groups who share the same vision.
Before building possible bridges across the river, it is suicidal to talk about defeat? Where will one acquire the materials? Who will supervise? What kind of bridges would we have? Etc. etc. The ipso facto of the matter is let us first come and discuss what is possible and what is not.
For this task, the FNR appeals to all Christian denominations, and the NBCC in particular, who has been a stronghold of the FNR to organize prayer vigil throughout the Naga Churches at the earliest, and all Naga organizations to render their fullest support in their own capacity towards the consummation of Naga reconciliation.
Finally, in the coming days ahead, we all will be challenged to make space within ourselves by freeing our own selves on an individual level - so essential to all political leaders to be agents of true freedom. If one grasps this secret in a sense we are where we should be. As we decide to meet the others out of sacrificial leap and tough love, in a sense Nagas are already where they should be.
Throughout, fathers, mothers, hohos, students, women, and churches, have played a role in placing a piece of the jig-saw puzzle of the Naga nation. Let us all pray and encourage the signatories of the Covenant of Reconciliation to complete the puzzle by picking up the final piece without delay.
It is heartening to note the recent Baptist World Alliance Congress in Hawaii acknowledging and welcoming the efforts of the Naga people towards “full reconciliation.” This was stated by Dr. Neville Callam, General Secretary, BWA, on July 31, 2010, and a subsequent Press Release on the same day. This was affirmed and accepted by 87 nations.
Let us be grateful to the BWA and hearken to their appeal and support.
Kuknalim,
Forum for Naga Reconciliation
