In this collage photo, people from various parts of ‘Naga-land’ are seen ringing church’s bells on June 13 in solidarity with the FNR’s call to mark the 10th Anniversary of the signing of the Covenant of Reconciliation signed on June 13, 2009, and further commitment to the Covenant. (Morung Photo)
Morung Express News
Kohima/Dimapur | June 13
The air reverberated with the solemn tone of tolling church bells as Nagas marked the 10th anniversary of the signing of the Covenant of Reconciliation (CoR). The CoR, brokered by the Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR), was signed on June 13, 2009, by top leaders of the Naga Political groups.
Church bells across Naga inhabited areas, including Nagaland state, chimed for 60 seconds at 12 noon today in solidarity with the FNR’s call to further strengthen the agreement of understanding that sought to end factional killings and violence.
According to the FNR, “This symbolic participation for peace and reconciliation is a testimony to the world and will deepen our understanding of and commitment to its values and principles.”
The Forum’s Convenor Rev. Dr. Wati Aier said that the day’s “symbolic event cut across Christian denominations.”
Without attributing numbers, he said that it received enormous response from churches in the districts of Nagaland state and from churches in the Naga areas of Manipur state.
He added that the FNR was receiving feedbacks about the conduct of the event from different areas and it would take some days before it can put a number to the participation from churches.
As per Newmei News Network, churches in Manipur’s four hill districts of Senapati, Chandel, Tamenglong and Ukhrul also rang bells at noon.
The FNR said that by doing this, the Nagas are awakening their consciences and renewing their commitments to reconciliation and peace. “Such an act is a spiritual speech that Nagas want peace to prevail and flourish, and reconcile to embrace a fuller humanity.”
“Although, a small beginning, citizens are witness to the positive steps our leaders have taken,” the FNR said. It also said that, while the path ahead is still in construction, "the memory of what was our past and a deep desire to move on in the direction of continual transformation is the yearning of all citizens".
By the same token, the FNR appealed all the churches to take a brief moment to pray for peace and reconciliation on Sunday, June 16 in all the churches and places of worship.
