Naga Reconciliation under the ‘Journey of Common Hope’ stewarded by the Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR) is today looking more and more like past history. A journey which began quietly but with firm resolve in the face of huge public skepticism, significant strides were made towards fulfilling the objectives of peace. Despite the hurdles strewn along the way, the FNR, keeping the vision of a shared future and the aspiration of the Naga people, has been able to remain unshakable in its resolve and commitment. Every Naga still wants to believe that Naga Reconciliation under the ‘Journey of Common Hope’ is going to survive even the toughest of challenges. But given what is happening today (the continuing curse of divisions), can people rely anymore on the promises, commitments and assurances of our Naga political groups. Who is failing the Nagas? Is it the Naga groups, FNR, India, Naga public or the international community? And off course those who hate us will love to see us continue in our path of self destruction!
A few months ago, the work and achievement of Naga Reconciliation was finally given due recognition by the powerful Baptist World Alliance (BWA). The FNR Convenor Rev Dr Wati Aier was selected for the prestigious 2011 BWA Denton and Janice Lotz Human Rights Award. To be precise, the FNR Convenor was recognized for “helping to broker peace between three nationalist groups in Nagaland”. The award was obviously for the ‘historic Covenant of Reconciliation’ signed in June 14-15, 2009 between Isak Chishi Swu, SS Khaplang and Brig S. Singnya. In the larger context we need to realize that this important award is not just for the FNR or its Convenor but more importantly it is a recognition of the commitment for peace and reconciliation as stated in the ‘Covenant’ by the Naga political groups. The question is whether we have lived up to be worthy of such an award?
And when the international community is saluting our efforts, it is somewhat unfortunate and also embarrassing that the FNR Convenor had to receive the award on July 9, 2011 against the backdrop of the disturbing things happening in our homeland. And even before the FNR Convenor could actually receive the award, the buckle or the center piece that holds the reconciliation process together has been dislodged putting a question mark on our credibility and not to forget our commitments made in public before the Nagas and the world. Many years ago we made similar commitments for peace during the Atlanta Peace Summit under the aegis of the BWA. Nobel Peace Laureates like former US President Jimmy Carter and Arch Bishop Desmond Tutu have publicly acknowledged our peace efforts and commitment. What will happen to the credibility of the Nagas as a people and a nation if we continue to break our resolve before the rest of the world? We need to seriously ponder and realize that we are making ourselves untrustworthy in front of people who go out of their way to support and help us.
Despite what is happening, Naga people still aspire for peace and a common cause among the warring Naga political groups. No matter what has happened in the last few weeks and months, the Journey of Common Hope under the FNR must continue towards its stated objective/s with even greater resolve. The reconciliation process is ‘irreversible’ and mandated by God and the Naga people. The FNR needs all the support to put the process back on track. If the Naga political groups really mean what they state, supporting the FNR process, they should translate it into action. For the peace award given to the FNR Convenor to have any real significance and meaning, the Naga political groups must rededicate their resolve and carry out the Covenant of Reconciliation both in word and in deed. Not only our future but even the reputation of the Naga people is at stake.
A few months ago, the work and achievement of Naga Reconciliation was finally given due recognition by the powerful Baptist World Alliance (BWA). The FNR Convenor Rev Dr Wati Aier was selected for the prestigious 2011 BWA Denton and Janice Lotz Human Rights Award. To be precise, the FNR Convenor was recognized for “helping to broker peace between three nationalist groups in Nagaland”. The award was obviously for the ‘historic Covenant of Reconciliation’ signed in June 14-15, 2009 between Isak Chishi Swu, SS Khaplang and Brig S. Singnya. In the larger context we need to realize that this important award is not just for the FNR or its Convenor but more importantly it is a recognition of the commitment for peace and reconciliation as stated in the ‘Covenant’ by the Naga political groups. The question is whether we have lived up to be worthy of such an award?
And when the international community is saluting our efforts, it is somewhat unfortunate and also embarrassing that the FNR Convenor had to receive the award on July 9, 2011 against the backdrop of the disturbing things happening in our homeland. And even before the FNR Convenor could actually receive the award, the buckle or the center piece that holds the reconciliation process together has been dislodged putting a question mark on our credibility and not to forget our commitments made in public before the Nagas and the world. Many years ago we made similar commitments for peace during the Atlanta Peace Summit under the aegis of the BWA. Nobel Peace Laureates like former US President Jimmy Carter and Arch Bishop Desmond Tutu have publicly acknowledged our peace efforts and commitment. What will happen to the credibility of the Nagas as a people and a nation if we continue to break our resolve before the rest of the world? We need to seriously ponder and realize that we are making ourselves untrustworthy in front of people who go out of their way to support and help us.
Despite what is happening, Naga people still aspire for peace and a common cause among the warring Naga political groups. No matter what has happened in the last few weeks and months, the Journey of Common Hope under the FNR must continue towards its stated objective/s with even greater resolve. The reconciliation process is ‘irreversible’ and mandated by God and the Naga people. The FNR needs all the support to put the process back on track. If the Naga political groups really mean what they state, supporting the FNR process, they should translate it into action. For the peace award given to the FNR Convenor to have any real significance and meaning, the Naga political groups must rededicate their resolve and carry out the Covenant of Reconciliation both in word and in deed. Not only our future but even the reputation of the Naga people is at stake.
