Kohima, October 09 2008: In a historic moment, leaders of all warring Naga underground groups from the rank of deputy kilonser (minister) and above were seen together as one team while the Naga civil societies and churches clubbed as the second team playing the first ever 'Reconciliation Football Match' in trouble torn State of Nagaland.

The match was held in Kohima this afternoon.

It was an instant to be cherished forever, as the reconciliation match drew closer all the warring Naga underground groups on one side to exhibit their sporting talent, which would also be stepping stone towards reconciliation amongst themselves.

Briefing on the match, Rev Zhabu Terhja, President Nagaland Christian Forum (NCF) expressed that the match is a continuation of the Chiangmai Meet (Thailand) and a journey towards reconciliation and new hope.

'Pointing that while playing a football match as a team, the players require each others support, he said Nagas also require each others support through reconciliation.

Speaking to scribes, Rev Dr Wati Aier, Principal of Oriental Theological Seminary expressed that the process of reconciliation is moving on the right direction and with the enthusiasm shown by the Naga underground groups one can visualize that something will surely evolve in the near future.

'We cannot say that all forms of killing will come to end but something will surely be achieved,' he said.

The touching moment of the day was minor students of Baptist High, Kohima performing a special item spreading the message 'Give us our future' and releasing of white balloons as a sign of peace and reconciliation by President Naga Mothers Association, Khesheli Chishi while over five thousand crowd joined her with white balloons and white flags.

Others presenting special numbers from Oriental Theological Seminary, Peace Channel and Agatha & Friends also emphasized on the need of peace and reconciliation and 'shed no more blood'.

Notably, as the match started in a peaceful and cordial atmosphere without any armed security arrangements, except for the checking and frisking of spectators on the entrance by the Angami Students' Union volunteers, spectators from all walks of life poured into the ground.

The crowd was more supportive towards the Team Hope, which consisted of Naga undergrounds 'NSCN/GPRN (NSCN-U and NSCN-K), NSCN-IM, Naga Support Group and Federal Government of Nagaland (FGN/NNC).

Team Faith consisted of Church, Naga Hoho, Naga Students' Federation, Naga Peoples' Movement for Human Rights, Eastern Nagaland Peoples' Organisation and United Naga Council (UNC).

Playing the reconciliation match, Rev Dr Wati Aier netted the first goal for Faith while Rev C Lima scored the second.

However, before the lemon break Hope managed to minimize the goal margin through Shanti Konyak, Deputy Kilonser of NSCN-IM.

In the second half of the play, Toshi Wungtung managed to further the score to 3-1, which also became the winning goal for the Faith team.

The reconciliation match concluded with a mass prayer holding each others hand and seeking God's blessing for reconciliation, peace and unity under the white cross.

Comment