KOHIMA:The Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR) has claimed that the Naga reconciliation process is still alive even as speculations are rife that the highly-acclaimed ‘Journey of Common Hope’, initiated by the forum, is headed for a dead-end following the recent split of a Naga underground group over the question of allegiance of its top leadership to the Naga reconciliation journey.
Convener of FNR Rev Dr Wati Aier has put up a brave front in declaring that the Naga reconciliation process is still on the right track.
The FNR’s initiated reconciliation process has of late become a ‘hot topic’ with the ‘common hope journey’ of the Nagas for reconciliation being at the centre, literally causing a split in a Naga group, a signatory of the Covenant of Reconciliation (COR), since June 7 last.
The split group had gone on an overdrive to discredit each other in the eyes of the Naga public in what appears to be an attempt to claim legitimacy of their respective group over the Naga national movement, doing more harm than good to the reconciliation process.
Replying to a query on possible crack in the reconciliation process following the recent split of a Naga group during a press conference at Dimapur on Tuesday, Rev Aier responded that the forum is in touch with all parties and that they are all committed to the reconciliation process.
Dispelling all doubts and fear over the fate of the reconciliation journey, Rev Aier pointed out that even as the COR was signed by Naga rebel leaders Khaplang, Issac and Singnya it was, however, reaffirmed on September 18, 2010 by Muivah, Kitovi and Singnya.
”If you look at it, they are all signatories,” he said while reiterating that reconciliation is an inclusive policy and that no party would be left behind.Commenting on the resolution of the general council of Baptist World Alliance at its Kuala Lumpur meet (July 4-9) to ‘commend and under gird’ with prayers ‘the continuing reconciliation process between the conflicting Naga groups”, Rev. Aier termed the development as ‘a blessing’ as well as a ‘historic moment’ for Nagas.
”It’s a blessing to be singled out and be supported for our reconciliation process,” he said, adding how Nagas translate the support would be of great significance.
Meanwhile, the National Socialist Council of Nagaland Khaplang group stated it had repeatedly made its position clear to the Nagas that as a prelude to any meaningful political process, dialogue, peace, unity and reconciliation between the Naga political parties and government was inevitable.
A press note issued by the ‘Ministry of Information and Publicity (MIP)’ pointed out, ”S S Khaplang took the first step towards Naga reconciliation process after a long spell of bloodshed among Naga brothers.”
The note stated, ”Khehoi campers’ repeated claim of expelling S S Khaplang for harboring antagonism towards FNR’s efforts bears no credibility.” (UNI)
