As part of the ongoing initiative of the Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR) to reconcile various warring Naga underground factions under the banner ‘A journey of common hope’, members of Naga ‘Civil Society’ and ‘United National’ comprising of Naga underground factions clashed for the third time in the soccer pitch.
The ‘National workers’ who were beaten in the previous ‘Reconciliation’ soccer matches played at Chiang Mai in Thailand (Aug 20) and Kohima (Oct 9) on Thursday put up a spirited fight at DDSC Stadium before a 6000- odd crowd to level the match 3-3.
The goals for United came through the boots of Sangti Konyak and Hopeson, the latter of who scored twice in second half. For the Civil Society, the scorers were Fr. George, Dr. Wati Aier and Vashum. The match was kicked off by‘Gen’ (Rtd) Thenoselie Keyho .
After the match, senior NSCN/GPRN leader Singson,also a one time state player and who played a key role in securing a draw for United said the event was a “sign of oneness among Nagas. Nagas were one and will always be one.” He also said the spirit of oneness and camaraderie should go beyond the soccer field.
Earlier, FNR convenor Dr. Wati Aier in a brief introduction described the occasion as “the moment in our history in which a new order is being born. Today, we are here to witness the death of ‘old age’ of the Nagas and the emergence of the new.”
Dr. Wati lauded leaders of various factions for their commitment and taking the ‘risk’ to bring the new. Urging the people to guard their rights jealously, he said Nagas must discard the false doctrine of ‘exclusivism” and embrace the new order “togetherness.”
The FNR convenor also said the challenge before Nagas in the new order was “good will.”
“The virtues of truth, mercy, justice and peace must stand tall at the centre of our lives. Only then, will ‘emerge a child called reconciliation,’” he added. He further assured that the FNR would never betray the people from its commitment to Naga reconciliation.
Sidelights of the soccer match included ‘Naga national melodies’ presented by Oriental Theological Seminary students, songs by United National choir and orphans of Naga violence. Rev. L Bizo offered invocation prayer while Rev. Loli Kape pronounced the benediction.
Earlier, widows of Naga national workers also presented flowers to ‘United National’ players before the kick off. The programme winded up with a mass prayer led by Rev. Dr. V.K. Nuh.
Leave a Reply