The Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR) is still being talked about for the commendable work it has done so far in bringing about a semblance of peace, order and the hope for a shared future. As all of us will recall that the FNR stepped in at a time when Naga armed groups were bitterly fighting against each other. There was bloodshed and even more hatred, anger thereby fuelling more vengeance, retaliation and distrust. And so ever since it started its Journey of Common Hope and the historic Covenant of Reconciliation was signed by the top leaders Isak Chishi Swu, SS Khaplang and Brig’ (Retd) S Singnya representing the various Naga groups, there has been a consistent effort put in by all stakeholders and the outcome has been positive. Having said that there have also been times when the FNR has failed to live up to expectation/s. But let us not forget that the FNR isn’t about perfection and that it is a human endeavor. People involved in the FNR are perfectly normal human beings and they are bound to make mistakes. And if they do fail so miserably, then the Naga public has every right to question the work or leadership of the FNR. But we honestly feel that such a time has yet not come for the FNR to retire or even disband. That would in fact be a tragedy because the FNR has still much to offer and at the moment they need all the encouragement and support of the people, the civil society and the Naga national groups.
It is quite obvious that the FNR is presently at a low because of the unfortunate turn of events where more division has come out to the fore in the very recent past. And as a result therefore the reconciliation process has been hit by new accusation/s, further division and the resultant distrust, suspicion and uncertainty. All this has had a negative bearing on the FNR’s own confidence and motivation to work. And this was clearly brought out by the September 21, 2011 statement where the FNR has stated that “a time will come when the FNR will need to be dissolved”. In fact this column takes the position that even if the task assigned to the FNR is complete, the FNR should not be dissolved. In the last more than 40 months or so, the FNR has played too much of an important and historic role that we should even contemplate burying it into the ground. We seriously propose that even though leadership or people may change, the institution of the FNR should be preserved for the contribution of many more things for the Naga nation and people. So we need to envision a greater role for the FNR beyond reconciliation. The institution of the FNR can be modeled along the lines of ‘United Nations’ kind of umbrella body or secretariat where the interest and right of the diversity of Naga people, region, tribes can be protected with due respect and honour.
For the immediate though, the work of the FNR need to expand beyond the confines of present day Nagaland. It may demand greater resource and mobilization, yet there is no reason why the FNR cannot do this given that reconciliation demands a truly inclusive approach both with regard to bringing on board the other Naga groups and also working towards making the Covenant of Reconciliation without territorial limits. The incidents of violence and killing in Naga areas of Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh and Burma are having an adverse effect on the overall reconciliation process. The recent violence in Zeliangrong areas of Manipur between Naga groups is not a good sign for reconciliation. The FNR must be attentive to the disturbing situation in Naga areas beyond Nagaland. Maybe this is a good time for the FNR to rethink on its functioning and come up with fresh and innovative ideas to face the challenges ahead. An expansion of its membership as well as its task and area of operation (of the Covenant of Reconciliation) will make the present reconciliation process more dynamic, consistent and truly inclusive.
It is quite obvious that the FNR is presently at a low because of the unfortunate turn of events where more division has come out to the fore in the very recent past. And as a result therefore the reconciliation process has been hit by new accusation/s, further division and the resultant distrust, suspicion and uncertainty. All this has had a negative bearing on the FNR’s own confidence and motivation to work. And this was clearly brought out by the September 21, 2011 statement where the FNR has stated that “a time will come when the FNR will need to be dissolved”. In fact this column takes the position that even if the task assigned to the FNR is complete, the FNR should not be dissolved. In the last more than 40 months or so, the FNR has played too much of an important and historic role that we should even contemplate burying it into the ground. We seriously propose that even though leadership or people may change, the institution of the FNR should be preserved for the contribution of many more things for the Naga nation and people. So we need to envision a greater role for the FNR beyond reconciliation. The institution of the FNR can be modeled along the lines of ‘United Nations’ kind of umbrella body or secretariat where the interest and right of the diversity of Naga people, region, tribes can be protected with due respect and honour.
For the immediate though, the work of the FNR need to expand beyond the confines of present day Nagaland. It may demand greater resource and mobilization, yet there is no reason why the FNR cannot do this given that reconciliation demands a truly inclusive approach both with regard to bringing on board the other Naga groups and also working towards making the Covenant of Reconciliation without territorial limits. The incidents of violence and killing in Naga areas of Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh and Burma are having an adverse effect on the overall reconciliation process. The recent violence in Zeliangrong areas of Manipur between Naga groups is not a good sign for reconciliation. The FNR must be attentive to the disturbing situation in Naga areas beyond Nagaland. Maybe this is a good time for the FNR to rethink on its functioning and come up with fresh and innovative ideas to face the challenges ahead. An expansion of its membership as well as its task and area of operation (of the Covenant of Reconciliation) will make the present reconciliation process more dynamic, consistent and truly inclusive.
