DIMAPUR, MARCH 30 : After a lull in the “Naga reconciliation: A journey of common Hope”, the journey is back on track with the three Naga political groups re-affirming their commitment to the ‘Covenant of Reconciliation.’
Hopes of the proposed “highest level meeting” of the three groups -NSCN/GPRN, NNC/FGN and GPRN/NSCN – have also revived with the three groups giving verbal or written assurances to the Forum for Naga Reconciliation that they have not backtracked from their commitments.
Addressing a press conference at Hotel Saramati on Wednesday, members of the FNR also furnished the assurances given by the three groups.
The NNC/FGN in a letter to FNR and Naga public signed by Kedaghe (president) ‘Brig’ (Retd) S. Singnya and vice president Zhopra Vero, dated March 28, stated, “While we remain steadfast to the COR, we are sincerely committed to the Highest Level Naga Summit to be held at the earliest.”
In the meantime, the FGN implored the Naga people to be patient as the signatories of the COR prepare all “logistical needs” for the summit.
The GPRN/NSCN also in a letter to FNR dated March 28, admitted that though at times Nagas have been “swayed by forces despite our assurances,” the GPRN/NSCN remains committed to upholding the spirit of COR by working out differences in the “spirit of love, non-violence, peace and respect to resolve our outstanding issues amongst us.”
“Due to circumstances beyond our control, the meeting of the highest level leadership has been delayed. However, we pledge our commitment to the FNR in their positive efforts for the reconciliation of Nagas,” stated the GPRN/NSCN letter signed by general secretary Kitovi Zhimomi and C-in-C, Naga Army, Gen. Khole.
FNR convenor Rev. Wati Aier also briefed the media about his meeting with NSCN/GPRN chairman Isak Chishi Swu and general secretary Th. Muivah and their comments on reconciliation and proposed highest level meeting, at Hebron Camp on Tuesday last.
According to Rev. Wati, the NSCN chairman reiterated his earlier dictum saying, “I pray daily for FNR and Naga reconciliation. All Nagas must come together. I and my government shall fully abide by the COR.”
Likewise, the FNR convenor quoted Muivah’s comment: “We must make it clear that we are for reconciliation. Let us not make any pretext nor rationalize at the expense of the Naga national cause…Chairman (Isak Swu) and I are fully committed to Naga reconciliation and we will never divert from COR.”
Muivah also said, “We have come here (Nagaland) for reconciliation at the highest level but, we are still waiting…how long can we wait for anyone who go on disappointing the people.”
He said the collective leadership of the NSCN/GPRN also remains “grateful to the various organisations, churches, and individuals for their prayer support towards Naga reconciliation.”
Queried on the long due 45-days deadline given by Naga organizations last year for the proposed highest level meeting, the FNR convenor said that everyone is anxious that the meeting should materialize.
“While FNR pursues the desires and longings of the people, we earnestly entreat one and all to bear in mind that reconciliation process has started a new chapter of unraveling issues of logistics, security, communication and trust building – the core bases on the practical level towards the goal,” Rev. Wati said.
