he Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR) was born on 26 March 2008, at a time when our land was drenched in tears and mourning.
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The Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR) was born on 26 March 2008, at a time when our land was drenched in tears and mourning. Those were years of fear and silence, streets emptied by sundown, shop shutters locked before dark, and many homes filled with trauma. Children’s voices were hushed, women confined indoors, and families lived under the shadow of both Naga “factions” and the Indian military.
The Baby Boomers and Generation X among us remember those years vividly, contrasting them with groupings and imprisonment of the 1950s. It was against this backdrop of pain and division that 39 apex organisations, including the Nagaland Baptist Church Council, Nagaland Christian Revival Church, Catholic Association of Nagaland, Fellowship of Naga Baptist Association, Naga Hoho, Naga Mothers’ Association, Naga Students’ Federation, Naga Peoples’ Movement for Human Rights, All Naga Students’ Association Manipur, and Naga Women Union Manipur came together to give birth to FNR.
From Mon to Noklak, Ukhrul to Senapati, Meluri to Phek, Mokokchung to Zunheboto, and into the camps of Hebron, Kehoi, Tuensang, and Mon, FNR carried the message of reconciliation. This journey culminated in the signing of the Covenant of Reconciliation (CoR) on 13 June 2009 by the three historic leaders, (Late) Isak Chishi Swu, Chairman of NSCN (IM), (Late) SS Khaplang, Chairman of the undivided K Group, and Retd. Brig. S. Singnya, FGN/NNC
Together, they resolved to end bloodshed among the Nagas. The CoR remains a landmark in our collective history, an act of courage, humility, and the will to heal amidst scepticisms.
The years following the CoR witnessed a remarkable transformation. Factional violence diminished, lives slowly normalised, and Naga political groups began moving freely in towns and villages without fear of one another. For a generation that had lived through darkness, this was nothing short of a miracle.
Between June 2008 and October 2009, FNR facilitated 21 meetings with the “Joint Working Group” (JWG) of the Naga Political Groups (NPGs). At one point, FNR even offered to dissolve itself, believing its mission had completed. Yet the NPGs rejected this offer, affirming that reconciliation was not a temporary need but a continuing journey. Twice more, FNR offered to step aside, and twice more the appeal was declined.
This reaffirmed that reconciliation is not an event; it is a process, requiring vigilance, patience, and perseverance.
The Year 2025: A Turning Point
The year 2025 must be recorded as a milestone in the Journey of Common Hope. From 14 January to 27 September 2025, FNR, the NPGs, and the Naga Tribe Hohos (NTHs) held 16 meetings, not counting the Advent Worship Service in Chümoukedima on 7 December 2025.
The first meeting of the year, on 13 January 2025, produced a “Treatise” that resolved: To seek forgiveness for hurting one another through words and actions. To strengthen the 2009 Covenant of Reconciliation. To honour the historical and political rights of the Naga people. To implement the Council of Naga Cooperation and Relationship (CNCR),a working mechanism to move forward in unity.
Since then, every meeting has focused on implementing these resolutions, particularly the urgency of CNCR. Though discreet in its proceedings, FNR assures the public that transformation is underway. With cautious optimism, we report that what was resolved in 2025 is now in progress.
In simple terms, FNR places before the public the following appeals:
1. Guard the fragile gains of reconciliation: 2025 was a year of challenges, especially toward its end. FNR has met with organisations concerned with the Naga solution and made it clear to them that, “we must come together at the right time. The little we have garnered must be protected. Some are still allergic to the other. Let us give time for healing.” FNR has deliberately avoided press responses, believing that public unity must not be weakened by premature rebuttals and perceptions. We appeal to individuals, groups, influencers, and social media users to, avoid divisive words and actions. Let us give up the dividing by which we conquer ourselves.
2. Unite under CNCR as one entity: The NPGs, supported by the NTHs, and in the right moment by all organisations, must accept differences and come together under CNCR (Naga Machang). Only as one entity must represent Naga rights. There is only one Naga nationalism. FNR urges the public, especially the educated and students, not to indulge in personal innuendos at the expense of the common good.
3. Support CNCR without delay: The public must render immediate support to CNCR resolutions. The NPGs will speed up the process, but they need the backing of all Naga organisations. Unity of purpose cannot wait it must be acted upon now. Let us not attempt to induce what is not possible.
4. Confession and humility: FNR confesses that, as fallen humanity, we have hurt many and made people unhappy. For this, we seek forgiveness. FNR is not the only forum for the Nagas. A time is coming when all, from the margins, women, students, mothers, organisations will assemble to commit to one entity for the finite good of the Nagas. Besides, FNR has never excluded non-Nagas who are part of us. We seek solidarity with justice for all. Above, all let us fear God.
5. In the event of differences or misunderstandings concerning the Naga journey, the FNR earnestly urges individuals, groups, and organisations to refrain airing grievances through print or social media, regardless of perceived justification. Such platforms, rather than advancing the collective aspiration of the Nagas, risk undermining the shared journey of hope and inadvertently fortifying external interests. The path forward lies in direct, face-to-face engagement, wherein Nagas meet one another with sincerity and resolve, working through challenges in the spirit of reconciliation and common political aspiration.
Conclusion: The Road Ahead
The Journey of Common Hope is far from over. Reconciliation is not a destination but a path we must walk together. The Covenant of Reconciliation of 2009 was a historic act; the Treatise of 2025 is its renewal. The CNCR is the mechanism through which unity will be realised.
FNR’s role is not to dominate but to serve, to facilitate dialogue, nurture trust, and remind us that division is self-defeat. The Naga people must now rise to the occasion. Let us protect the fragile gains, unite under one entity, support CNCR, and forgive one another.
The future of the Naga people depends not on factions but on unity. Not on suspicion but on trust. Not on division but on reconciliation
With humility, sincerity, and faith, FNR reports this much to the Naga public. May we walk together in the Journey of Common Hope.
Thank you.
Forum for Naga Reconciliation