Dimapur, August 20 (MExN): The GPRN/NSCN and the Ao Senden met to restore mutual trust. According to a press note issued by the MIP, “the frozen relationship between GPRN/NSCN and Ao Senden finally melted and gave way to warm and cordial interaction between the two sides”. The meeting between the two was held at Circuit house Mokokchung on 19th August 2010. Describing it as a “consensual visit” the GPRN/NSCN noted that it “was important because it is time for Nagas to seek each other, reconcile and heal old wounds”. It also took the stand that the GPRN/NSCN, NNC/FGN or any group reaching out to reconcile with fellow Naga tribes to bury past misunderstandings is a noble gesture. “The goodwill visit of GPRN/NSCN officials to Ao region reflects maturity and statesmanship of GPRN/NSCN and Ao leadership of the day. It has contributed to the momentum for peace and reconciliation among the Nagas. At the end of the meeting a brief joint statement was issued by the two sides”, stated the MIP note.
Before departing from Mokokchung, the visiting delegation numbering more than 50 led by Convener, National Political Advisory Council (NPAC) Azheto Chophy also visited Longkhum Village where the mortal remains of former NNC president late Imkongmeren and General Secretary, NSCN late Dally Mungro lay buried. Rich floral tributes and prayers were offered to the departed leaders, it was stated.
Meanwhile, according to a joint statement issued by the two the meeting acknowledged the great contribution of the legendary Ao patriots and also the common man since the beginning of the Naga political struggle.
“In true Naga tradition, a free and frank deliberation took place and both side agreed that it was a meaningful step towards restoring the trust and confidence between the two sides after a gap of several years”, stated the joint statement.
It was also stated that the “horizon of Reconciliation Process is not only limited to Naga Political groups but it encompasses Naga tribes, communities and organizations”. “The goodwill visit of the GPRN/NSCN representatives to Ao region is in line with the Naga Reconciliation Process which is deeply respected by both the sides”, stated the joint statement which was signed by Lendinokdang, President Ao Senden; A. Nungsang Jamir, General Secretary Ao Senden; Azheto Chophy, Convener, NPAC; Meren Nokpu, Kilonser, MIP and Wangtin Naga, Kilonser, PR &NGOs.
The GPRN/NSCN also termed as “extremely unfortunate to read the comments of MIP of IM group who, judging by their frantic press release on 17th Aug. 2010 appears to be living and confronting similar situation as in Afghanistan or Iraq rather than in Nagaland where Naga Reconciliation Process under the Aegis of Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR) is taking place”. The GPRN/NSCN stated that it was inconceivable for a political organization, a signatory of Covenant of Reconciliation, to dig up World War II phrases such as, “aggressively advancing for territorial expansion everywhere” or labeling Naga political groups as “aggressors and intruders”.
Stating that “perhaps their imagination is taking them to sordid past in far off countries engrossed in volatile situations”, the press note pointed out that “reconciliation and unity among the Nagas will not materialize if one group sits on the imaginary throne and bark orders at others”. It also stated that when “the door to Mr. Muivah’s home state was slammed right in his face at Mao gate, the bubble burst and even the VVIP ticket in his hand did not help”. “He was forced to pass his time driving around Nagaland crediting and discrediting past Naga leaders according to places he visited. Even at his weakest hour with hundreds of unanswered questions, Nagas opened their doors to Th. Muivah because the spirit of Peace and Reconciliation is honored in Nagaland”.
