FNR bats for reconciliation
Source: The Sangai Express

Dimapur, September 24 2017: After remaining in silence for a long time, Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR) has come out today with an "appeal to the leaders of the Naga National Groups to demonstrate political wisdom and statesmanship by turning to the path of Naga reconciliation in order to safeguard the Naga historical and political rights" .

The FNR asserted that no group's interest or personal interest should be over and above the common interest and shared destiny of the Nagas .

Recognizing and acknowledging its contributions and weaknesses, FNR said it has undergone an intensive process of constructive criticism and evaluation in 2017.FNR also said that it "remains committed to the stand that only an inclusive and united approach can lead the Nagas to a direction of shared belongingness and Nagahood" .

According to FNR, looking at the present situation, the FNR is of the view that reconciliation is fundamental at this juncture.

It also said that the Naga reconciliation should not be confined to the Naga National Groups, it needs to be broadened.

FNR further said that it believed "Naga Reconciliation: A Journey of Common Hope" can be given a new lease of life when the Naga Churches, tribes, civil society organizations and the public recognize the necessity for reconciliation among themselves .

"The healing, forgiveness and reconciliation within Naga civil society is equally important.

In fact, reconciliation of the Naga people has become essential for bringing unity among the Naga National Groups.

Only when Nagas reconcile as a people can we become a moral and political force that will restore health and authority of the Naga National Groups to evolve together and take the Nagas forward," FNR added .

The FNR said that it is aware that the Naga public are tired and weary of division, suspicion and violence taking place within the Naga National movement.

"They feel this division has given undue advantages to those who continue to suppress the Naga historical and political rights.

This has only prolonged the suffering of the people.

The divisions have only polarized and weakened the Naga movement which are preventing the Nagas from taking forward looking steps", it added .

According to FNR, the Naga public demanded that the Naga National Groups rise above 'factional politics' and work honestly and sincerely for the common good in the spirit of broader participation and needing the best of one another because the stakes are so high .

"Let us take courage to admit our own mistakes which will make us all greater, not lesser, human beings.

Let us heed the call for a lasting end to divisive politics, violence and to be free of fear, intimidation and hate.

Let us strengthen our commitment to reconciliation, non-violence and the peaceful resolution of disputes.

This is the only way for the Nagas to heal the past and to build a common Naga future founded upon principles of justice, mutual respect, acceptance, equality and non-violence," it appealed the Nagas .

Transcending the given impasse will require collective wisdom, realism and humility to match the demands of the contemporary world and a gracious heart that welcomes one another, FNR stated .

"Let us not breed seeds of division and suspicion that demonizes the other.

We must not forget that the boat the Nagas are travelling on is fragile and the sea is perilously stormy.

If the boat sinks all of us will lose equally.

For once let all Nagas give "togetherness" a chance.

It is in our "togetherness" that Nagas can prevail," it added .

According to FNR, in the Naga journey towards reconciliation, many are exhausted and weary.

Despite their best intentions some are misunderstood by their own country fellows.

Other voices are unheard, while others are still too afraid to speak.

And then there are many who have lost all hope and are therefore cynical.

Yet this Journey of Common Hope demands that we must bear each others’ burden, it added .

"In conclusion, we take this opportunity to reach out to all Nagas � young and old, men and women, rich and poor to give Naga reconciliation one decisive push no matter how tedious and exhausting the process may seem to be," it stated .

FNR then said that the time has come for Nagas of all ages and gender to take the responsibility of working for a peaceful and a just Naga society.

"For this, it is imperative that we courageously strengthen the path for Naga reconciliation.

Our future needs it!", it added.

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