FNR committed to ‘inclusive reconciliation’; urges all Nagas to participate

Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR) while drawing attention to several statements in the media from various quarters, on Naga Reconciliation- A Journey of Common Hope; admitted that while some were appreciative and in support of recent changes, others offering sharp constructive criticisms while some held completely different point of views. FNR admitted that as part of “fallen creatures” it was also liable to commit mistakes and therefore, has to correct itself to remain steadfast to its commitment for reconciliation among Nagas based on their “historical and political rights.”

It also appealed to Nagas to “advice, correct and encourage” it for the common effort where difference of opinion do not mean argument not to work for reconciliation. FNR said reconciliation was a process that needed to be contextual and practical. It said in the Naga context, protracted internal difficulties had led to much bloodshed among Nagas which were further complicated due to geographical divisions and the role of what it described as a “third force” in the “ongoing Naga conflict.”

FNR said it was important that Nagas understand the challenges ahead and that remaining silent would only mean further destruction. It said, therefore, there was no option but to reconcile with each other by giving a realistic time as the process needed commitment and willingness for a better future. 

It described the   journey towards reconciliation as a process having many steps and at times, the steps if seen in isolation and on their own, might not make sense and even seem contrary.

FNR however said when all these “small steps” were seen in totality, it was clearly evident that the “objective is for reconciliation and healing of the Nagas.” It also reaffirmed its commitment for “inclusion of all” within the ambit and expressed the hope that   all Naga groups would agree to reconcile on the historical and political rights through forgiveness.

In the light of its explanations and in the interest of broader public understanding, FNR has restated its activities during the past 42 months leading to the recent High Level meeting in Dimapur:

• FNR acknowledged and applauded the contributions of several well intended initiatives for reconciliation and unity, prior to its formation. FNR is aware that it does not and has no claim on monopoly over reconciliation as reconciliation was a collective effort for the common good. 
• FNR was formed in principle in February, 2008 as one of the outcomes of the Naga Peace Convention organized by the Naga Shisha Hoho in Dimapur and christened on March 25, 2008 at Kohima. Its objective was to facilitate reconciliation among the Naga political groups on the basis of the historical and political rights of the Nagas.The
• FNR comprises of members representing Naga Churches, hoho and civil society organizations. FNR is a neutral body neither affiliated nor supportive to any Naga political group or any party involved in electoral politics in Nagaland. It will continue to work for Naga reconciliation in an impartial and fair manner keeping in the mind the interest and rights of the Naga people as its primary principle.

In the last 42 months of Naga Reconciliation: A Journey of Common Hope, the FNR has held the following activities:
1. Eleven official Reconciliation meetings with the Naga political groups in a neutral venue at Chiang Mai, Thailand. At various points, the meetings were attended by representatives of Naga Hoho, NSF, NBCC, Nagaland Christian Forum, the Catholic Church, ENPO, various tribe hohos, and the different Naga political groups, along with members of FNR.
2. Four public consultations with Naga Hoho, tribe hohos, churches, civil society organizations and 1 consultation with the Naga intelligentsia.
3. 72 official meetings with the Naga political groups jointly and separately in Naga-Land.
4.  FNR member(s) personally met SS Khaplang, Chairman NSCN on five  occasions at his headquarters in Eastern Naga-Land (Burma). The visits to SS Khaplang took place: March 29-April3 2009, November 1st week 2009, May last week 2010, February 1st week 2011 and June 1st week, 2011. The FNR has spoken directly with SS Khaplang 26 times over the telephone and furthermore has sent letters and messages through different individuals on 21 instances on matters related to the Reconciliation process.
5. FNR members met Adino Phizo, President NNC in the first week of June 2008 at London; and the Transit Peace Camp at Kohima in 2008 and 2009 to share on the Naga Reconciliation and to become a part of the Process.
6. Twelve special programs which include soccer matches, special church services, joint social work, joint food and relief distribution, etc.
7. FNR went on a tour along with Joint Working Group members and held 19 public meetings in various Naga towns and villages.
FNR recognizes the Reconciliation process as necessary to assist in healing and restoring people’s dignity,courage to face the shadows that have stalked Nagas. For true healing and genuine reconciliation, FNR reiterates its position that the process would come full circle only when all Nagas have found forgiveness and reconciliation with each other. 

On August 20-26, at the High Level Meeting, six Naga leaders and their respective groups apologized and forgave each other in the spirit of reconciliation. Their preparedness to understand each other towards a shared Naga future, their agreement to broaden the peace process and their decision to agree in principle to form one Naga National Government manifests their commitment and desire for Nagas to be united in purpose.

While appreciation these bold and visionary steps, FNR however said it also recognized   that not all the signatories of the Covenant of Reconciliation could attend this High Level meeting, and there are other Naga groups as well. It reaffirmed its commitment to continue to work   towards the wholeness of all Nagas, so that no one is excluded.

FNR urged all Nagas to “promptly participate” and support in the common cause for a shared Naga future and that all Nagas, no matter what tribe, creed or gender, have an investment in the future of the Naga nation. It said each was entitled to earn their cherished Naga heritage since “this the Naga nation” was founded and because of “this dream and vision, the Naga nation has to prosper”.

For More Updates, follow us on    and