Its September already and the rains and hopefully the heat will subside as we herald a more pleasant two-three months of cooler climate before the rush and excitement of the festive season December and finally another New Year sets in. We believe that the coming months should be utilized to get our house in order as we anticipate another Christmas and a new beginning. The reason why we say this is because we are being faced with several conflicting situation, maybe inherited from the past or some of them the outcome of recent follies. Last year at this time, the Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR) was working towards the much needed ‘highest level talks’. The much needed breakthrough happened last month. So it took almost a year to bring the top leaders to sit across face to face, although the absence of the Khaplang group has been a dampener of sorts. Nevertheless the positive lesson we can learn is that we must persist with our resolve towards peaceful resolution of our differences and the healing of our past bitterness and animosity. However the Naga reconciliation process among the political groups under the FNR is only one aspect of the problem. We have other conflicts waiting to erupt one after the other if better sense does not prevail among the concerned parties. As we all know there are several land disputes taking on a tribal colour; the demand for separation by the Eastern people; Yimchungru-Tikhir divide and many other unresolved conflict lying beneath the surface. In all this trouble we need to know that nothing is impossible if we can learn to apply the principles of love, mutual respect, understanding and peaceful coexistence.
While it is obvious that people want our political groups to reconcile and come together for a permanent political settlement with India, nevertheless the kind of peace and order that we want will come about only when our domestic problems are resolved amicably. Just reconciling our warring armed groups/factions is not going to solve the other conflicts present in Naga society. For instance, unity of the Naga groups or signing of a settlement with New Delhi will not solve our land disputes. There seems to be an impression in people’s mind that reconciliation of Isak, Muivah, Kitovi, Khaplang, Khole, Adinno or Brig Singyna will be the end of our conflict. Therefore it is suggested that there should at least be some form of intervention or mediation by concerned civil society or tribal bodies in ridding ourselves of our problems. In fact the Naga issue and the peace process is more of political in nature and can be resolved at that level. On the other hand the current domestic problems and conflicts we are faced with, involves not only politics but tribalism, which may be a bigger threat to Naga unity than factionalism.
Hopefully if anything the cooler months ahead will be more helpful for us Nagas to think more wisely about the things that will be important for us to decide upon. We need to refresh ourselves and think rationally and collectively not emotionally and not for vested interest only. Micro level mediation efforts are required at the community level—to work out peaceful resolution of all outstanding issues. 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. As mentioned this is a good time to refresh on the ideals of peace and brotherhood and think collective. Beyond the FNR led Naga reconciliation process, the larger Naga society needs to also begin its own journey of common hope towards a shared future.
While it is obvious that people want our political groups to reconcile and come together for a permanent political settlement with India, nevertheless the kind of peace and order that we want will come about only when our domestic problems are resolved amicably. Just reconciling our warring armed groups/factions is not going to solve the other conflicts present in Naga society. For instance, unity of the Naga groups or signing of a settlement with New Delhi will not solve our land disputes. There seems to be an impression in people’s mind that reconciliation of Isak, Muivah, Kitovi, Khaplang, Khole, Adinno or Brig Singyna will be the end of our conflict. Therefore it is suggested that there should at least be some form of intervention or mediation by concerned civil society or tribal bodies in ridding ourselves of our problems. In fact the Naga issue and the peace process is more of political in nature and can be resolved at that level. On the other hand the current domestic problems and conflicts we are faced with, involves not only politics but tribalism, which may be a bigger threat to Naga unity than factionalism.
Hopefully if anything the cooler months ahead will be more helpful for us Nagas to think more wisely about the things that will be important for us to decide upon. We need to refresh ourselves and think rationally and collectively not emotionally and not for vested interest only. Micro level mediation efforts are required at the community level—to work out peaceful resolution of all outstanding issues. 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. As mentioned this is a good time to refresh on the ideals of peace and brotherhood and think collective. Beyond the FNR led Naga reconciliation process, the larger Naga society needs to also begin its own journey of common hope towards a shared future.
