Nagaland – Peace at Last ?

September 18 has become a ‘Red Letter Day’ in Naga political history as top leaders of NSCN factions namely NSCN (IM) and NSCN (K) and NNC/FGN formally gave in their acceptance to sit across the table before inking a ‘Covenant of Reconciliation (CoR)’.

This ‘Highest Level Meeting’ of leaders of the Naga underground groups had been initiated by the Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR) on September 18 at Dimapur. This historic meeting had been later dubbed ‘The September Naga Summit.’

Everyone at home was on edge not knowing if the proposed ‘Highest Level Meeting’ would be a success. Finally, much to the surprise of many, the top three leaders of the three Naga underground groups namely NSCN (IM) General Secretary Th Muivah, NSCN (K) General Secretary N Kitovi Zhimomi and NNC/FGN President Brig (retd) S Singnya accompanied by their senior kilonsers (ministers) had attended the ‘Highest Level Meeting’ on September 18 at Dimapur in a very cordial manner. At the end of the meeting, the three leaders inked the ‘Covenant of Reconciliation (CoR)’ expressing their commitment towards ending hostilities and to work for Naga reconciliation.

“It is a historical landmark in the Naga political journey that by responding to the deep yearning of the Naga people and in affirmation to the call made by the FNR, the three top Naga leaders inked the CoR. They have shown their commitment and sincerity to the Naga Reconciliation,” said FNR.

FNR said from despondency, the Journey of Common Hope, was emerging with concrete hope towards the future. “We are humbled and profoundly mindful of God’s faithfulness all through the journey; a journey sometimes filled with fear and hopelessness.”

“The September Summit may be considered as the greatest news of the decade for the Nagas,” the FNR adding, and termed the Summit as “A priceless gift to the Naga people from our highest level leaders.”

It said they were touched by the sincerity of the Naga leaders and their down-to-earth leadership exhibited throughout the meeting proceedings. “This signals the beginning of a new era of bright hope for the Nagas. We applaud each of them,” it asserted.

The Nagaland State Cabinet also welcomed the ‘September Summit’ of the top leaders of the Naga underground groups, saying that it was a major step towards realizing unity, understanding and oneness among all sections of Naga society, which has been the desire of all Nagas.

The Democratic Alliance of Nagaland (DAN) government as an active facilitator to the Naga peace process, continued to support the ‘Journey of Common Hope’ initiated by FNR, which aimed at paving the way for achieving lasting peace.

The Cabinet further appealed to the various groups and organizations to remain steadfast in their commitments and not allow any factor to destroy the hard earned peace that has been achieved through the collective efforts of the Naga people.

In the coming days, the signatories of the COR (Covenant of Reconciliation) would be engaged in working out their differences and for this the FNR, once again, must call upon all to render their fullest support.

The FNR, as often mentioned, assures all Naga political groups that one without the other would be “incomplete and we stand by our words.” They reiterated that all of them were part of the jig-saw-puzzle of the Naga nation and everyone had a role to play.

Oken Jeet Sandham