[dropcap]C[/dropcap]onsidering the potential for positive or destructive consequences clearly discernible both in the ongoing crisis of the Naga Political Issue as well as in the “Over ground” political paralysis, we earnestly appeal to all our people to put our minds together to evolve a mutually accommodative path to take us forward. It will be fatal to go backward since we have a common future which is our hope. We have wasted too much time telling or advising others what to do, ourselves not doing enough. It is now time for all of us to put our minds together towards a common good. Hence the following:-
1. We ourselves, inadequate and limited as we all are, humbly present our services to do whatever we can towards this process of reconciliation and accommodation, willing to learn from others and also learn from our past failures.
2. NPGs/Naga Political Groups:- Fully appreciating whatever sacrifices or contributions the genuine patriots in all groups have made so far, we now request you all to open your minds and your arms wide enough to accept one another to work together towards a common good as expected by our people and demanded by our worsening crisis.
3. Nagaland State Politicians (MLAs, MPs & Party Leaders):- The Election promises and manifestos and the mandate the electorate have put on your shoulders are a test of your conscience and wisdom. Imaginative magnanimity and convincing statesmanship, not self-destruction due to failure to read the times, is required most urgently. The needs of the hour as perceived by yourself and your people are big enough reasons for you to sacrificially reconcile, trust one another and work together. Your time is limited. Before it will be too late, give your people politics of surprise and hope instead of bankrupt politics that produces power and wealth for some that never satisfies and dangerous cynicism and despair for the rest.
4. Tribal and Public Organizations mandated largely by the majority of our people who are in the villages, NGOs, women empowerment networks, thinkers young and old, the youth..., Here is your opportunity to claim your share of ownership of the situation to help mobilize constructive public opinion and make it effective.
5. All Denominations of the Church as well as other religious faiths and beliefs - your praying hearts and helping hands demonstrating your deepest and highest values are urgently needed.
6. The Government of India – You have started to show signs of understanding us and that is appreciated. The care that you now seem to show not to “tread on our dreams” is worthy of India. We appeal to you not to underestimate what our dearly bought history means to us. We have shown shortcomings in our struggle that have harmed us and others. There is much to be put right. But our steadfast fight for what we have believed to be important does not mean we are against India. Although our Naga family members are tragically scattered in different states and countries making the crisis of our struggle more complicated, the historical and political legitimacy of our position is unquestionable as already made known abundantly to India and the world.
7. The above appeals are being given as we are deeply concerned at the same time convinced that all is not lost, however grim and helpless the present scenario appears to be. We believe God has a plan for our people, and if we will learn to pay heed to Him, we will build our future together. There still is a ray of hope, provided we are prepared to change and make sacrifices for the greater cause of our people based on the “Rock and Foundation of Jesus Christ, our Lord”. If not, we may not likely see better times in the days and years to come.
