Dimapur, September 23 (MExN): Expressing their joy over the September 18 historic meeting of the top leaders of Naga political groups and the agreement that was signed, four prominent Baptist leaders from America saluted the leaders along with members of the Forum for Naga Reconciliation who they stated had “worked so tirelessly and courageously to orchestrate these discussions”. Pointing out that the Naga Journey to a Common Hope has never been so lively, they stated that the “seeds of justice planted so patiently over the years now break through the hard ground of vengeance and promise a harvest of peace”.
“Yet the harvest is far from secure. Now is the time for the Naga people, through your many social, religious and human rights organizations, to guard against a despoiling of the crop. The presence of peace is more than the absence of violence. Much work is yet to be done. Your political parties will not be able to accomplish this on their own”, stated the Baptist leaders in an open letter to the Naga people. The four signatories included Dr. John Sundquist, retired director of the American Baptist Churches International Ministries; Rev. Daniel Buttry, global consultant for peace and justice, American Baptist Churches International Ministries; Rev. Ken Sehested, founding director, Baptist Peace Fellowship of North America and Rev. Raimundo Barreto, director, Baptist World Alliance Division of Justice and Freedom.
The open letter went on to state that “rather than provoking enmity”, now was the time to “provoke one another to love and good works” (Hebrews 10:24). “Now is the time to harness your joy to the hard work of turning dreams into deeds, of transforming renewed hope into concrete public policies”, the appeal stated.
More importantly the open letter asked the Naga people to “demand that the agreements reached be honored by all and exploited by none”.
Acknowledging the “hard work and uncommon wisdom” that has brought the Nagas to this point, the open letter also informed that they had also spent many hours with various Naga leaders over the past 15 years. “We know something of the path of tears and the tangle of fears you have endured. The peace you have waged has come at a great cost”.
Stating that “those gone before you now rise with rejoicing”, the open letter pointed out that by “seizing this hopeful moment”, the Naga people would be honoring them and also securing “the future of your children’s grandchildren”. The open letter concluded by making an urge to the Naga people that “the peace that truly passes understanding guide your feet toward the things that make for peace”.
Unedited text on p4
