Rev. Dr. Wati Aier
It is an exciting day filled with hope! It is the moment in our history in which a new order is being born. Today, we are here to witness the death of “old age” of the Nagas and the emergence of the new. In the words of St. Paul, “The old has past away, behold the new is here.”
Biologically, there is no growth without birth. With the emergence of the new we are saying “no” to the oppressive nature of the old. The fact that we are here, with all tese leaders, is indicative of the fact that we are tired of the past and that we are committed to wielding the future together. Our hats off to them and we applaud all these leaders for their commitment and taking the ‘risk’ to bring the new!
Today as we face this new world in the making, let us be reminded that we all have the responsibilities and challenges that come along with it.
First, the people will have to guard their rights jealously, and must stop hoping that by a twist of historical fate we will be in paradise! If we are going to be saved, it will be the people who do it. We must start believing in the power of the people. We must jealously halt the trend to destroy ourselves. We must discard the false doctrine of “exclusivism.” This new order is a world of togetherness. All of us, including the “others” who live amongst us, have an investment in the future of our history. Therefore, we must transcend every tribalistic, ethnocentric, and religious overtone. If we fail to understand these holy and noble values, we perish!
Secondly, the challenge before us in this new order is “good will.” The virtues of truth, mercy, justice and peace must stand tall at the centre of our lives. Only then, will -“emerge a child called reconciliation.”
In February of this year, the Forum for Naga Reconciliation, comprising of all Naga frontal organizations including the Church came into being. We have traveled a long road toward reconciliation. We must know that all “Naga political groups” have agreed to reconciliation. Today, it is no secret that we are already into difficult territories - those hurdles and roadblocks to reconciliation. Unity and peace is being carefully discussed. Despite the struggles, the commitment to travel the common journey of reconciliation is a promise and commitment given by all the Naga political groups. For this we say “Thank you.”
Finally, the FNR will never betray the people from our commitment to Naga reconciliation. We find our strength in God our Savior. We must also let the Nagas know that FNR is not the only one working for peace and unity. The FNR acknowledges the efforts of many other groups and organizations; we walk side by side with you all. May God be our guide who will lead us to victory!
Kuknalim
This address was presented at the inaugural session of the Naga Reconciliation Soccer Match on November 13, 2008 at the DDSC, Dimapur
