September is going to be a hopeful month for peace loving people around the world. In particular, the resumption of direct talks between Israel and the Palestinians under the supervision of the United States has raised hopes of a political settlement to the long standing dispute between the two sides. While it is expected that there will be claims and counter-claims as each side would have its own interest to protect, nevertheless the conflict itself should not be allowed to become intractable or beyond human reasoning. Each side will have to look at an agreement not victory. Closer home, the Naga people will also be engaging in peaceful resolution of our differences and the healing of our past bitterness and animosity. The Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR) is reportedly working towards the much needed ‘highest level talks’, which has so far eluded the Naga reconciliation process even though the signatories to the ‘covenant of reconciliation’ have on many occasions affirmed its commitment towards this end. For the Nagas especially the national political groups, September will be a crucial month and a test of their sincerity towards peace and reconciliation.
Both in the case of the middle east peace talks underway and the proposed highest level talks of the Naga leaders, the first and foremost responsibility of the leaders is to make sure that no stone is left unturned in an effort to work out a peaceful resolution of all outstanding issues. This will mean that rather than looking at personal or group interest, sincere effort must be made to arrive at a common ground. Peace cannot be achieved by sticking to our old positions. Everyone must realize that peace requires partnerships and cooperation and therefore the way of peace demands a spirit of mutual understanding and reciprocity. Our Naga leaders will also be required to appreciate this fundamental starting point so that they can actually walk the path of peace, which they have so often talked about or eulogized in their statements. Action speaks louder than words they say and the time to act has come. As US President Barack Obama rightly gauged on the latest Middle East peace exercise, “This moment of opportunity may not soon come again”. Similarly the efforts being made by the FNR to bring about a peace summit of the highest level leaders is an opportunity that should not be missed.
Just as President Obama reminded Israeli and Palestinian leaders that “they face a fleeting chance to settle deep differences after decades of hostility”, the same goes for the leaders of the Naga political groups. In fact the task can be much easier for the Naga leaders as they have already agreed in principle to reconcile and work together. The Covenant of Reconciliation and the Joint Working Group consisting of the three signatories NSCN/GPRN, GPRN/NSCN and NNC/FGN is proof that there is a willing spirit to work together for peace. However as the FNR has rightly used the idiom consummation is yet to take place. The highest level meeting of top leaders is therefore long overdue. The proposed summit meeting of the Naga leaders planned for September is all the more appropriate since the International Day of Peace, also known as the World Peace Day, occurs annually on September 21. Let this be a good omen for the Naga people’s desire for peace and reconciliation. And if the FNR can plan to have the meeting of the highest level leaders on this particular date it will send out a clear and loud message to the entire world that Nagas are committed to the ideals of peace and brotherhood.
