It’s worth praying all the more

Rev. Seksim Kasar
Council of Nagalim Churches  

Our honorable Ato Kilonser, Th. Muivah used to say very frequently, “We are not a lost people. We have our history. In time past, when challenge came, our leaders took their ground and took the right decision for the people in the right time.” Since then, Nagas have been fighting tooth and nail for their right. Many brave sons and daughters have made their supreme sacrifices for the dear cause of the people. Patriots took up arms and have defended their dear motherland and have proved that they will not give up their right in any circumstance. They are determined to fight till the last living soul. After fighting for so many years, India admitted the futility of an attempt to solve the Naga Issue by sheer use of force. It was political, not a military issue. Therefore, they pave way for political dialogue. The Talk began under this modality:

1. Talk without any condition,
2. Talk at the highest level, that is in the Prime Ministerial Level and
3. Talk in a third country that is, outside India.

Thus, by the grace of God, the finest opportunity for solution came for the Nagas. The invitation of India for political dialogue was acceptable to all the Naga People. No doubt about it. Therefore, a big turning point for change came and now we are very close to Final Solution. This long waited solution is going to affect all the Naga people, even to the extent of the generations that would follow.  

Now the question is: What kind of a solution is expected out of the present dialogue? If the outcome of the talk is a capitulation, then it is not a solution at all. It is a disaster. If the outcome of the talk is a recognition of the right of the people, it is indeed a solution which is honorable and acceptable.  

We have talked much about the FRAMEWORK AGREEMENT. In fact, the expected solution will be the product of the Framework Agreement. Our Chief Negotiator had repeatedly explained it in meetings for several times that the FA was based on the Unique History and the Situation of the Nagas. He mentioned of the recognition of the Sovereignty of the Nagas in line of the universally accepted principle that sovereignty lies with the people. He also mentioned about a shared sovereignty of the two equal sovereign powers in certain competencies and of co-existence between the two entities, meaning to say, a type of new relationship of the two sovereign nations. Categorically, I understood the Framework Agreement in this way:  

1. The Unique History and Situation of the Nagas which was recognized by India was the basis of the Framework Agreement.
2. Naga Sovereignty or Naga Identity is properly treated or addressed in the Framework Agreement.
3. Relationship for Co-existence as two entities, (meaning to say two equal nations) is clearly mentioned in the Framework Agreement.

Now, the question is: are our leaders lacked political wisdom and will to negotiate? Is Naga Sovereignty issue demeaned or over sighted in the negotiation? No, not at all. We have to appreciate the Naga Leaders for such a big political achievement. We have to appreciate the Indian leaders for understanding and recognizing the Nagas, their issue and status. Well done! But sadly, what has delayed our solution? Is harvest time not yet come? Is it because we haven’t done so much?  

Look! We have trodden a very long and arduous political journey. Our people have braved all odds and have contributed their best. The tax payers paid their due. The people have democratically rallied en-mass and participated in this movement in various forms. The students and the younger generation have taken this issue to the open squares and streets in the form of processions, rallies with placards etc. demanding for an early solution. The Civil Societies have conducted meetings and submitted several memorandums to the Government of India. The former Prime Ministers of India have written letters in support of a just solution. World bodies, even US congressmen and former US President, Jimmy Carter, have written letters to India. All the Naga Legislators and MPs, irrespective of their political affiliations, have rallied and resolved in support of a rightful solution to the prolonged Indo-Naga Political Issue. Every abled and sensible people have shown their solidarity for our rightful place in the world as a nation. Churches and praying people have been praying relentlessly, hoping that the solution will arrive sooner than later. All these efforts and sacrifices for this priceless and noble cause of the people are innumerable. Yet, we haven’t done it. What is the lacking?

Our land is God’s; NAGALIM FOR CHRIST. He is the master. He is the finisher. He will finish the battle. He must finish this task. Credit owes to Him. Therefore, one thing we lack is the final touch of the divine, the touch of the Lord God Almighty. Let us give God the chance to touch and complete this task.  

Let us trust in God, also in Christ. He is our Commander in Chief. He has been leading us all these years. He is still leading us and we are on the right direction. No matter, come what may, let us follow Him. Let us take our ground. Let us not be discouraged. Having said it, let us PRAY ever deeper than before. In due time He will answer our prayers. He will not fail for He never fails.  

Come forward as volunteers in our Chains of Prayer. Nothing is more desirable and nobler than volunteering for the great cause of the people.   Prayer time is scheduled at 11 am to 12 noon every day. The main prayer focus are:  

Pray to God for

1. The forgiveness of our personal and National/People’s sins.
2. His intervention in the Indo-Naga Political Dialogue for an early solution.
3. His blessing on the Naga Chief Negotiator Th. Muivah and the Indian Interlocutor, R. N. Ravi.
4. His blessing on the Indian Prime Minister and his Cabinet Ministers.
5. His blessing on the Collective Leadership and Home Authorities of NSCN.
6. The wellbeing of the people of India and Nagalim.
7. The suffering Christians and peace in our World.

  GOD BLESS YOU