“It is always wise to seek the truth
in our opponents’ error
and the error in our own truth”
Reinhold Niebuhr
Introduction
The Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR) was formed at a time when Naga-Land was plagued by factional violence, suspicion and divisive political rhetoric. Formed on February 24, 2008, as one of the outcomes of the Naga Peace Convention organized by the Naga Shisha Hoho in Dimapur, the FNR was christened on March 25, 2008 at Kohima with the support of 39 Naga frontal organizations and churches.
FNR was born at a time when concerned Naga organizations and individuals decided our society could no longer bear the ever-increasing and rising costs of divisions and distrust made worse by the hard-hearted logic of mutual blaming to which all of us have stooped.
The willingness to be short sighted, reactive and to use violence to defend and justify positions threaten our diminishing chances to survive and continue our unique and distinct journey as a people.
While the compelling reasons that produced the divisions are understood and recognized, the Naga people are now concerned about the health and capacity of our young nation to develop in the 21st century. This is the issue our leaders and our people are concerned about at the deepest level.
The changing world forces the Nagas to wrestle with unfamiliar challenges that will make us grow as we learn from both the strengths and failures in our response to the challenges. At this juncture Nagas need to strive for what challenges us by truthfully examining them in order to learn from past mistakes so that our inspiration becomes our common strength.
FNR remains firmly committed to Naga reconciliation and willing to do what needs to be done at this time in spite of obvious limitations.
The FNR imagines ‘Walking the Naga Day’ will create a robust Naga consciousness through the collectivity of women and men to find our oneness and offer everyone the opportunity to participate in affirming who we are as a people. ‘Walking the Naga Day’ nurtures our organic Nagahood even though politically barred by arbitrary and artificial borders. Nurturing Naga consciousness flourishes when belonging is lived in the hearts and minds of the Naga people.
As part of ‘Walking the Naga Day’ the FNR has initiated open public interactions under the theme “Reasoning Together.” The first series consisted of at least 9 public interactions in Dimapur, Kohima and Delhi (April-May 2018). FNR members also visited and spoke in at least 10 churches and fellowships in Delhi. During these public interactions FNR dialogued with a wide cross-section of Nagas including young people, scholars, students, church workers, professionals, retired bureaucrats and administrators, teaching community, politicians and concerned individuals.
FNR believes that the open public interactions gave and will continue to give expression to what has become the common undertaking and desire of all Nagas . . . Many more interactions will be held in the coming months in different areas of Naga-Land.
This reflection highlights a summation of concerns and issues perceived from FNR which were raised during the open public interactions. These concerns reflect the deep yearning and wishes of the public to progress in our state of affairs, especially on the political front.
While the discussion focused on Naga Reconciliation, the public interactions gave voice to a diverse range of related issues confronting the Naga people that are summarized below:
Several commentators reminded FNR of the theological and spiritual dimension of reconciliation: God’s way of reconciliation; God as the ultimate source of reconciliation; the need for prayer and spirituality. They pointed out that Nagas have forgotten God in the process of reconciliation.
In the interactions people voiced that, "After a lull, FNR has come back to life. Nagas are watching." FNR was urged to take this with great concern and was asked:
Why a bottom up process has not happened?
Where have we missed out on the organic process?
What does reconciliation mean when two groups are negotiating with GOI?
What things are still needed to be reconciled?
What change can FNR bring in the next 5 years?
What benefit can we expect from FNR process?
FNR was advised not to be carried away by domestic gossip and rumors. While having its own limitations, FNR, as a catalyst, needs to proceed with ‘critical openness,’ and engage with our youth and our neighbors. FNR was encouraged to reflect on its role in Naga society and to address its weaknesses in meaningful ways. It was suggested that FNR should reach out to the masses (public) and initiate a bottom-up approach to reconciliation. FNR was told to take reconciliation further to its “logical end” involving civil, religious, political parties and Naga political groups.
Eastern and Southern Nagas stated that the process of reconciliation and trust-building has to go beyond Nagaland State boundaries. FNR was also asked if it regards all ‘factions’ as equally important. The need to widen the base of trust-building was emphasized. FNR was reminded that the values and principles of justice were integral for the realization of Reconciliation to take place.
While recognizing that FNR is competent to contribute to the Naga response it was urged to play a positive role. FNR should accept mistakes and correct themselves where required. “Do not cheat or give false hope to the people,” and provide a “realistic and truthful assessment of the situation” and the way forward.
The creation of Nagaland State was intended and designed to divide the Nagas. It was pointed out that Nagaland statehood was not accepted by everyone except by the political elite and few educated individuals. However, Nagas of Nagaland enjoy the paradox of statehood benefits. These imposed and boxed identities have generated suspicion, fear, mistrust that have caused further divisions, thereby leading to regional and sub-regional consciousness.
The need to rise above regionalism and sectarianism by building upon the Naga consciousness was emphasized. It was pointed out that the Government of India has so far opted for trying to ‘manage and control’ the Naga people rather than trying to genuinely resolve the Naga political issue.
Some suggestions were made for systematically introducing Naga history into high school curriculum to educate younger generation about their identity, their land and history. This should focus on creating Naga consciousness and help bridge inter-tribal differences and reduce the intergenerational communication gap which exists today.
Speakers asserted to the need that no one should feel alienated from the society that we envision together. No one should be left behind. Concerns were raised for respectful inclusion of religious groups and all Naga territories into the process. Numerous speakers pointed out that treatment of Nagas outside of the present state of Nagaland by Nagaland Nagas must be one of inclusion, mutual respect and understanding. Justice should not only appear to be fair but it should be fair.
Commentators also pointed out that in the Naga context ‘no one has a monopoly over the truth.’ The truth is that everyone has been hurt and everyone has hurt someone somewhere. We are all victims as well as perpetrators. The challenge is to address the complexities of this dual identity. The crucial role of the churches in healing of wounds and rebuilding relationships was emphasized. FNR was told that God alone is the source of all peace and Nagas need mass repentance and Godly forgiveness. FNR was asked whether GOI needs to admit, acknowledge and apologize to Nagas for human rights violations and atrocities.
The roots of the violence are in external aggression and political subjugation. The Naga struggle for the right to freely exercise their self-determination and chart their destiny in consonance with their historical and political rights is one of the longest active political conflicts in the world. It is imperative for all parties to the conflict to muster all political will, creativity, and courage to be discerning, draw on their inner wisdom and be far-sighted in peacefully addressing the issues of conflict so that it may have a positive impact at home, in Asia, the world and humanity at large.
The Forum for Naga Reconciliation acknowledges the honest constructive criticisms and welcomes the suggestion for self-reflection and conscious self-development. The process of making itself accountable and responsible in consonance with the needs of the situation will remain paramount. Some of FNR’s observations made following the series of interactions are:
The Forum for Naga Reconciliation was formed in 2008 at a time when Naga society was deeply burdened and torn apart by factional violence. FNR is independent and stands for Naga reconciliation among the Naga political groups on the basis of the Naga historical and political rights through forgiveness, mutual respect and nonviolence.
Reconciliation involves numerous facets of human life. It is both a ‘means’ as well as an ‘end.’ The journey towards Reconciliation is holistic and it is the sum of many different components.
FNR’s main objective then was to work for complete cessation of factional armed violence, killings and violent speech publicized in the media. FNR’s reconciliation efforts should be looked in that context.
Now with cessation of factional violence, FNR recognizes that the process needs to go beyond ending factional violence to forgiveness and healing. Recognizing that there can be no future without forgiveness and healing, FNR supports a collective response based on shared responsibility towards an inclusive and holistic Naga destiny.
Reconciliation, like love, peace, freedom, trust and justice, is indivisible and transcends territorial boundaries. It suggests a new way of life and calls for change in power relations. FNR works irrespective of geographical demarcations – “Nagas Without Borders” – keeping in mind the people’s common interests and aspirations at the center of its activities.
FNR as a forum remains independent and is not a ‘rallying point’ for a political option. It is not involved in the negotiating process between the Government of India and the Naga political groups that are in dialogue. FNR has and will continue the facilitator role seeking to build reconciliation among all the Naga political groups and all within the Naga family.
FNR’s overall mission is to work for a reconciled Naga society guided by moral and ethical principles, and values of democracy, freedom, truth, forgiveness, compassion, justice, nonviolence and peace. It stands for common basic human rights, dignity, and respect for all peoples.
The Forum for Naga Reconciliation takes this opportunity to make this earnest appeal:
Issued by:
June 4, 2018
