T oday the Journey of Common Hope has travelled for 43 months, since its inception. Nothing is too far or high for the Naga people that cannot be near, and tangible, in the history of the Nagas, if only, we are creatively open and realistic without abandoning our historical and political rights. Ironically, while talking about Naga sovereignty, we tend to remain in the past and thereby making us victims of the present. Taking a foothold on the past makes sense only in relation to the future –a future full of hope coupled by championing realism, contrary to utopian idealism, in creating and actualizing the present. Alongside, we must have a common vision –a vision that will transcend idealism and grasp and apprehend what is tangible and realistic must be our common aspiration, without exhausting the historical and political rights of the Nagas.
What shall the Nagas do then? No one can be forced into freedom. One can only be encouraged to think and act maturely, as leaders come of age and as leaders leading a “nation” amidst teeming younger generations of Nagas who are silently but critically watching us with much more informed knowledge and clarity of thought. Therefore, let us avoid the pitfalls and the vanities of the Narcissus syndrome of self-love that resides in us. We are anxious for our life and also for our honor; but we are incapable of self-criticism –a syndrome of Narcissistic mentality. Shouldn’t we not think that our service to the nation means, we owe, without “ifs and buts,” to the people? Leaders who are large hearted and transcending despite hard times? Leaders who courageously and faithfully take the leap for finite-common good and shedding all myths of “collective unconscious”?
FNR cannot command our Naga leaders to reconciliation we can only request. This request already gives something of the freedom to which we are invited. One must perceive in the invitation that we are of value to another. FNR who makes a request has no great power. We force none and compel no one, but remain always open to new possibilities in the process of the Journey of Common Hope.
(Please note that FNR has issued a press release about this for public attention and information. An excerpt of the same is being republished for public record. Kindly refer to the: “THE FNR JOURNEY WITH NAGA RECONCILIATION.” Dated September 4, 2011)
• FNR acknowledges that there have been several well intended initiatives for reconciliation and unity, prior to the formation of FNR; and we applaud their contributions. Even today, FNR is aware that it does not have and will not claim monopoly over reconciliation. The work of reconciliation is the duty of all and it is a collective effort for the common good.
• The Forum for Naga Reconciliation was formed in principle in February, 2008 as one of the outcomes of the Naga Peace Convention organized by the Naga Shisha Hoho in Dimapur and christened on 25th March 2008 at Kohima. It was formed with the objective to facilitate reconciliation among the Naga political groups on the basis of the historical and political rights of the Nagas.
• The FNR comprises of members representing Naga Churches, hoho and civil society organizations. FNR is a neutral body which is neither affiliated nor supportive to any Naga political group or any party involved in electoral politics in Nagaland. It will continue to work for Naga reconciliation in an impartial and fair manner keeping in the mind the interest and rights of the Naga people as its primary principle.
• Since March 2008 to September 2011 of Naga Reconciliation: A Journey of Common Hope, the FNR has held the following activities:
1. 11 official Reconciliation meetings with the Naga political groups in a neutral venue at Chiang Mai, Thailand. At various points, the meetings were attended by representatives of Naga Hoho, NSF, NBCC, Nagaland Christian Forum, the Catholic Church, ENPO, Nagas from Burma, various tribe hohos, and the different Naga political groups, along with members of FNR.
2. 4 public consultations with Naga Hoho, tribe hohos, churches, civil society organizations and 1 consultation with the Naga intelligentsia.
3. 72 official meetings with the Naga political groups jointly and separately in Naga-Land.
4. FNR member(s) personally met SS Khaplang, Chairman NSCN on 5 occasions at his headquarters in Eastern Naga-Land (Burma). The visits to SS Khaplang took place: March 29-April3 2009, November 1st week 2009, May last week 2010, February 1st week 2011 and June 1st week, 2011. The FNR has spoken directly with SS Khaplang 26 times over the telephone and furthermore has sent letters and messages through different individuals on 21 instances on matters related to the Reconciliation process.
5. FNR members met Adino Phizo, President NNC in the first week of June 2008 at London; and the Transit Peace Camp at Kohima in 2008 and 2009 to share on the Naga Reconciliation and to become a part of the Process.
6. 12 special programs which include soccer matches, special church services, joint social work, joint food and relief distribution, etc.
7. FNR went on a tour along with Joint Working Group members and held 19 public meetings in various Naga towns and villages.
• FNR recognizes the Reconciliation process as necessary to assist in healing and restoring people’s dignity. It is by taking this journey that Nagas can find healing and the courage to face the shadows that have stalked our people for a long time. Therefore for true healing and genuine reconciliation, FNR reiterates its position that the Reconciliation process will come full circle only when all Nagas have found forgiveness and reconciliation with each other.
In conclusion, FNR has always been vocal and we continue to abide by advocating that any violence in the form of idolatry of words in printed media, acts of threat, “witch hunts,” arrests and force must be detested by all Nagas against one another.
FNR once again, goes in record that we have no monopoly on Naga reconciliation and that all must actively contribute to the process of peace and reconciliation. We appeal to all not to let ones emotion and at the “spur of the moment” dictate us. Our time calls for high statesmanship of man and woman with constructive contributions. Let us learn to be large hearted and magnanimous.
FNR hopes that the moment is here when we will cease to exist as FNR and a more competent body comprising of intellectuals, and constitutional and legal experts will shoulder the next phase of our Journey. In the meantime, let all be of good heart, love be manifested and hope shine in all right thinking Nagas. The night has been too long!
Forum for Naga Reconciliatio
What shall the Nagas do then? No one can be forced into freedom. One can only be encouraged to think and act maturely, as leaders come of age and as leaders leading a “nation” amidst teeming younger generations of Nagas who are silently but critically watching us with much more informed knowledge and clarity of thought. Therefore, let us avoid the pitfalls and the vanities of the Narcissus syndrome of self-love that resides in us. We are anxious for our life and also for our honor; but we are incapable of self-criticism –a syndrome of Narcissistic mentality. Shouldn’t we not think that our service to the nation means, we owe, without “ifs and buts,” to the people? Leaders who are large hearted and transcending despite hard times? Leaders who courageously and faithfully take the leap for finite-common good and shedding all myths of “collective unconscious”?
FNR cannot command our Naga leaders to reconciliation we can only request. This request already gives something of the freedom to which we are invited. One must perceive in the invitation that we are of value to another. FNR who makes a request has no great power. We force none and compel no one, but remain always open to new possibilities in the process of the Journey of Common Hope.
(Please note that FNR has issued a press release about this for public attention and information. An excerpt of the same is being republished for public record. Kindly refer to the: “THE FNR JOURNEY WITH NAGA RECONCILIATION.” Dated September 4, 2011)
• FNR acknowledges that there have been several well intended initiatives for reconciliation and unity, prior to the formation of FNR; and we applaud their contributions. Even today, FNR is aware that it does not have and will not claim monopoly over reconciliation. The work of reconciliation is the duty of all and it is a collective effort for the common good.
• The Forum for Naga Reconciliation was formed in principle in February, 2008 as one of the outcomes of the Naga Peace Convention organized by the Naga Shisha Hoho in Dimapur and christened on 25th March 2008 at Kohima. It was formed with the objective to facilitate reconciliation among the Naga political groups on the basis of the historical and political rights of the Nagas.
• The FNR comprises of members representing Naga Churches, hoho and civil society organizations. FNR is a neutral body which is neither affiliated nor supportive to any Naga political group or any party involved in electoral politics in Nagaland. It will continue to work for Naga reconciliation in an impartial and fair manner keeping in the mind the interest and rights of the Naga people as its primary principle.
• Since March 2008 to September 2011 of Naga Reconciliation: A Journey of Common Hope, the FNR has held the following activities:
1. 11 official Reconciliation meetings with the Naga political groups in a neutral venue at Chiang Mai, Thailand. At various points, the meetings were attended by representatives of Naga Hoho, NSF, NBCC, Nagaland Christian Forum, the Catholic Church, ENPO, Nagas from Burma, various tribe hohos, and the different Naga political groups, along with members of FNR.
2. 4 public consultations with Naga Hoho, tribe hohos, churches, civil society organizations and 1 consultation with the Naga intelligentsia.
3. 72 official meetings with the Naga political groups jointly and separately in Naga-Land.
4. FNR member(s) personally met SS Khaplang, Chairman NSCN on 5 occasions at his headquarters in Eastern Naga-Land (Burma). The visits to SS Khaplang took place: March 29-April3 2009, November 1st week 2009, May last week 2010, February 1st week 2011 and June 1st week, 2011. The FNR has spoken directly with SS Khaplang 26 times over the telephone and furthermore has sent letters and messages through different individuals on 21 instances on matters related to the Reconciliation process.
5. FNR members met Adino Phizo, President NNC in the first week of June 2008 at London; and the Transit Peace Camp at Kohima in 2008 and 2009 to share on the Naga Reconciliation and to become a part of the Process.
6. 12 special programs which include soccer matches, special church services, joint social work, joint food and relief distribution, etc.
7. FNR went on a tour along with Joint Working Group members and held 19 public meetings in various Naga towns and villages.
• FNR recognizes the Reconciliation process as necessary to assist in healing and restoring people’s dignity. It is by taking this journey that Nagas can find healing and the courage to face the shadows that have stalked our people for a long time. Therefore for true healing and genuine reconciliation, FNR reiterates its position that the Reconciliation process will come full circle only when all Nagas have found forgiveness and reconciliation with each other.
In conclusion, FNR has always been vocal and we continue to abide by advocating that any violence in the form of idolatry of words in printed media, acts of threat, “witch hunts,” arrests and force must be detested by all Nagas against one another.
FNR once again, goes in record that we have no monopoly on Naga reconciliation and that all must actively contribute to the process of peace and reconciliation. We appeal to all not to let ones emotion and at the “spur of the moment” dictate us. Our time calls for high statesmanship of man and woman with constructive contributions. Let us learn to be large hearted and magnanimous.
FNR hopes that the moment is here when we will cease to exist as FNR and a more competent body comprising of intellectuals, and constitutional and legal experts will shoulder the next phase of our Journey. In the meantime, let all be of good heart, love be manifested and hope shine in all right thinking Nagas. The night has been too long!
Forum for Naga Reconciliatio
