Staff Reporter
Nagaland chief minister Neiphiu Rio has said if an honourable settlement to the Naga issue is achieved that was acceptable to people, legislators had resolved to pave way for an alternative arrangement but if no solution was achieved by 2023 when the state goes for the scheduled election, then the legislators will contest the election.
Rio said this while speaking as guest at the 40-day revival held at Don Bosco Higher Secondary School here Tuesday, organised by the Sinai Ministry.
He regretted disunity within Naga society after Naga political leaders had signed the covenant of reconciliation under the aegis of Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR) and today have gone in separate ways.
Rio also said despite cease fire and around 25 years of dialogue, there was still no meeting point. The chief minister therefore, urged upon all Nagas to unite and reconcile before the Assembly election and impress upon the Central government to ensure an honourable settlement to the vexed Naga political issue.
On the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA), Rio claimed that the State government had always sought its withdrawal, but the Central government had been extending the “Disturbed Area Act”.
The chief minister also acknowledged the objective of Sinai Ministry in bringing all leaders together, adding it was a sign for all to “retrospect” and “introspect” so as to renew and reconcile.
Also addressing the gathering, FNR convener Rev Dr Wati Aier regretted that Nagas were divided, fragmented and alienated from God. He urged upon people to remain hopeful if they desired that all reconcile. He also differed with the assumption of many people that Nagas were hopeless.
Dr.Wati also said the act of bringing all leaders together by Sinai Ministry was historic and prophesised that something would happen regarding Naga issue, as God was moving in a powerful way.
Speaking on reconciliation, Dr Wati maintained that those who believed in God would reconcile with the circumstances despite being divided and separated. “Reconciliation is an expensive grace,” he added. He lamented that the word reconciliation was improperly understood and made it seem cheap.
He urged the gathering to grasp Paul’s gospel, whose message of reconciliation was joyous for the outcasts and sinners, but painful for those who thought they were pious and had done nothing wrong.
He appealed to the gathering to have reconciliation with God and grasp the freedom that reconciliation offered. Leaders from various Naga political groups also attended the penultimate day that included representatives from NSCN (Reformation), Council of Nagalim Churches (CNC), NSCN (I-M), NSCN/GPRN (K) Niki, Federal Government of Nagaland, GPRN/NSCN and Akato-led NSCN/GPRN. Though representatives of NSCN (K) Khango were not present, the group sent five prayer points.
Earlier, the programme was led by Sinai Ministry director pastor Wabang Longchari, while special number was given by Tali Angh and worship led by Sinai Music.
Representatives from several civil society organisations and student bodies also attended the event.
The 40 days revival on the theme “Awake-Arise-Shine” commenced on March 11 and culminated on Tuesday, with the last five days of the revival being on “Heal Nagaland”.