A big round of applause resounded the DDSC stadium Saturday when Q. Tuccu, Joint Working Group (JWG) member representing NSCN (I-M) pointing to Zhopra Vero, NNC/FGN and C. Singson, GPRN/NSCN vowed they will no longer fight among themselves. The applause grew louder when the two leaders also nodded their heads in agreement.
“Reconciliation: A Journey of Common Hope” being held under the theme “All for one,” and initiated by the Forum for Naga Reconciliation and JWG covered another milestone with people from different strata of society including non-Naga communities attending the reconciliation programme at DDSC Stadium Dimapur, Saturday.
NSCN (I-M) steering committee, executive member, Q. Tuccu and also JWG member, in his speech said Nagas who were initially under one umbrella – NNC- became fragmented when the “enemies/satan” conspired and brought about killings among Nagas. He vowed that Naga national workers would no longer allow “enemies/satan” to come in between and asked his counterparts from NNC/FGN and GPRN/NSCN whether they agreed with him. After receiving their positive response, Tuccu went on to say that none can stop them if they spoke in one voice. He said only satan would oppose reconciliation.
He further urged upon every political group to refrain from issuing ‘negative’ press statements against each other. Admitting that the Naga political talks was one of the “longest talks” Tuccu added the NSCN (I-M), as people’s government would listen to the voice of the people.
Affirming that many Nagas were rallying behind the FNR on its mission for reconciliation, Tuccu also made a fervent appeal to the FNR members not to allow differences to creep in among them. Describing “ULFA, PLA and other revolutionary groups” as “roadblocks,” Tuccu urged the FNR to beware of such roadblocks.
He also expressed the desire of the political groups to let the three signatories of the “Covenant of Reconciliation” meet soon.
NNC/FGN vice president (kedallo) Zhopra Vero admitted that though his group was initially “hesitant, weary and doubtful” when the FNR first brought up the issue of reconciliation, but gradually began to engage in constructive dialogue harmoniously once the process started. “Our attitude towards each other changed and softened.Emotional healings began and we are starting to see each other from a completely different perspective,” he said adding that the benefits were now being seen.
Maintaining that reconciliation was possible only if people forgave one another, Vero, however, said reconciliation based on forgiveness might not really last if they held on to different political stands. He said the NNC/FGN stood along the lines of the recent statements of NSCN (I-M) and GPRN/NSCN on Naga sovereignty.
Vero pointed out that the “over burden of taxation” was an issue of social concern which might prove to be a hurdle for rallying public support for a greater cause. “The desire of our people is one government, one tax,” he claimed.
He affirmed that the NNC/FGN would not compromise or betray the yearning desire of the people and hoped that other political groups would do likewise.
GPRN/NSCN ‘kilonser’ C. Singson said the desire for Naga unity and reconciliation was no more a murmur behind closed doors . He said it was clear that reconciliation and unity of the Nagas preceded any solution to “Indo-Naga-Burma” political problem.
“At this hour, a faction’s claim to be having the mandate of the Naga people is uncalled for since it goes against the very spirit of reconciliation,” he asserted. Singson put forward GPRN/NSCN’s suggestion that the various groups should first seek emotional integration before proceeding on to physical integration. He reiterated the GPRN/NSCN’s stand that obsolete dialogue with the government of India by a single group should immediately be stopped as it did not serve the purpose.
“Partaking in the Naga reconciliation and unity process on one hand and seeking piecemeal solution on the other, is a breach of people’s trust,” he said. Singson said that people’s will backed by common approach only would achieve a desired political solution. He acknowledged that FNR and its associates have brought warring Naga brothers closer than at any other point of time. He reaffirmed the commitment of the GPRN/NSCN to the “Covenant of Reconciliation.”
Earlier, in his key note address, FNR convener, Rev. Dr. Wati Aier said “Reconciliation: A Journey of Common Hope” has been sanctified by the signatories of the “Covenant of Reconciliation” and that the hope of the Nagas was built on “this solid rock.” He said the leaders have attested to their commitment time and again. Wati said the “seemingly three groups” but presented as one have affirmed to “work together in the spirit of love, non-violence, peace and respect to resolve outstanding issues among us.”
He said the Journey of Common Hope of the Nagas has reached that destination where the parties of the three political groups must travel together towards the next station of political talks with the government of India.
Addressing a large turnout, Wati said the FNR would confidently testify to the people, of the commitment of the Naga political groups, to reconciliation in toto. Stating that the Journey was not complete yet but traveling nearer the goal, he called upon the public to exhibit maturity towards the complexity of the situation. The FNR convener pointed out that each Naga political group has their unspoken inherent difficult task in front of them. “Coupled with this, the makings of our common humanity and common political identity must be upheld and insured,” he added.
Wati said it was the responsibility of the Naga political groups to provide and protect the rights of all its citizens, without burdening the average men and women and the business community, by all means within their authority. He said it was also the responsibility of Naga political groups to make authorities adequate and principled. And it is the responsibility of all citizens in all sections to respect the rights of all others and to respect the one Naga nationhood under our leaders, he said.
He said the Nagas needed a grand vision of ‘Nagahood’ inspired by God’s Spirit and love of the nation and that the quality and spirit of nationalism must be supported and justified by the people.
Wait said that “self” restrain – a priceless spiritual and ethical strength, of the Naga national workers has led to an emergence of “party” restrain. He appreciated the Naga political groups for such efforts.
“Let us no longer respect boundaries, but only that which opens boundaries,” he said.
The FNR convener said that the Naga people must exercise the individual rights of mandating their Naga political leaders to “build the Naga house” under their design but securely founded on the historical and political rights of the Nagas.
Chandu Agarwal spoke on behalf of non-Naga communities of Dimapur. Special numbers were presented by Lotha Baptist Church, Dimapur, Sumi Baptist Church Youth Choir, Purana Bazar, Oriental Theological Seminary Choir and kids for fame winner, Ashuni Liruna Mao.
FNR members Rev Phughoto and Rev V. K. Nuh initiated a mass prayer and benediction for the various Naga underground groups.
Saturday’s programme was organized by the Naga Council Dimapur and chaired by its president, Savi Liegise while general secretary, Ntsemo Ngullie proposed the vote of thanks.
Various tribal hohos, school children, non-Naga communities etc attended the programme. Business establishments were also closed for two hours from 10 a.m to 12 noon so as to attend the programme.
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