Kohima, November 07 2008: Naga leaders under the banner of Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR) are hopeful of overcoming obstacles towards reconciliation of all Naga underground groups.

Sources said that continuing the process of reconciliation, the fifth meeting of the Naga underground groups (factions) and the Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR) was held on November 4 and 5 in Dimapur to explore and create options and find ways to strengthen the ongoing journey of common hope.

According to reports, altogether 35 participants comprising the Forum for Naga Reconciliation and the various Naga underground groups agreed to pursue creatively in overcoming hurdles and obstacles towards reconciliation.

The sources revealed that realizing that the Naga rights is the shared yearning which binds all Naga people, the participants upheld the Naga reconciliation as a process to address and overcome various political differences, so as to safeguard and strengthen the historical and political rights of the Nagas.

In a step-ahead towards reconciliation, unlike past meetings, the participants of the meeting including the Forum for Naga Reconciliation and the Naga underground groups (factions) spent the overnight together in one house, engaging in formal and informal discussions and partaking in devotion and prayer.

Meanwhile, the Forum for Naga Reconciliation has expressed gratitude to the leaders of the Naga underground groups (factions) 'for exercising their utmost restraints' despite difficult circumstances; and for heeding to the Naga peoples call for reconciliation, unity and peace.

The forum further implored the leaders of the Naga political groups to continue exploring all possible non-violent options to resolve differences and to building a consensus on a common hope.

Mention may be made that after the � 'Reconciliation Football Match' played between "FAITH" comprised of leaders from Naga undergrounds groups and "HOPE" comprising of Church, Hohos and civil society leaders on October 9 last, the hopes of the people for reconciliation have been amplified as factional clashes between the UG groups have drastically come down.

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