Morung Express News
Dimapur | September 19
A day after the highest-level summit of the signatories of the “Covenant of common hope” met in Dimapur to strengthen the reconciliation process, the Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR) said that the summit signals the “beginning of a new era of bright hope for the Nagas.”
“From despondency, the Journey of Common Hope is emerging with concrete hope towards the future. We are humbled and profoundly mindful of God’s faithfulness all through the journey—a journey sometimes filled with fear and hopelessness,” said FNR convenor Rev. Dr. Wati Aier at press briefing here at Hotel Saramati, Sunday.
After much hiccups, hopes and yearning of the Naga masses were not belied when the much-awaited highest level meeting of the three Naga political groups – NNC/FGN, NSCN/GPRN and GPRN/NSCN – finally took place on September 18 in Dimapur
At the summit, top leaders of the three groups including NSCN/GPRN Ato Kilonser Th. Muivah, GPRN/NSCN Ato Kilonser Kitovi Zhimomi and NNC/FGN Kedaghe also issued a joint declaration stating that there are “reconciled” based on the “Historical and Political rights of the Nagas.”
“Where do we go from here? This is the beginning of another chapter in Naga history. It is necessary that meetings at the highest level take place from time to time, Rev. Wati said.
On the FNRs next move after yesterday’s breakthrough summit, FNR members said that FNR and Joint Working Group (JWG) of the three groups will meet soon to chalk out future action plans, basically on the quest of Nagas to unite and come together.
Queried on yesterday’s summit, FNR said that it was touching to see some “old-timers” (leaders from the different groups) shaking hands and meeting each other after more than 30 years.
“Proceeding of the meeting was very solemn. They came with great anticipation that something positive will emerge from the meeting.
The fact that they came showed their willingness to reconcile,” FNR said. FNR in a press communiqué, which was handed to mediapersons during the press briefing, stated that the September summit maybe considered as the “greatest news of the decade for the Nagas,” a priceless gift to the Naga people.
“We are touched by the sincerity of the Naga leaders and their down-to-earth leadership exhibited throughout the meeting proceedings. This signals the beginning of a new era of bright hope for the Nagas. We applaud each of them!” FNR said.
Attributing the success of the summit to almighty God and the prayers of Christians across Naga areas and Baptists in many parts of the world, the forum also thanked the churches both within and outside and al civil society and tribal organizations for their tireless support to Naga reconciliation.
“In the coming days, the signatories of the COR will be engaged in working out our differences and for this the FNR, once again, must call upon all to render your fullest support. As often mentioned, the FNR assures all Naga political groups that one without the other will be incomplete and we stand by our words. FNR would like to reiterate that all of us are part of the jig-saw-puzzle of the Naga nation and everyone has a role to play,” FNR said.
