The Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR) commemorated the historic day when the Naga Club gave its representation to the Simon Commission in 1929 to exclude the Naga inhabited areas from any impending settlement. With a newly christened name called the Naga Day, it was celebrated in Kohima on Jan 10, 2018. The theme of the Naga Day was ‘Nagas Without Borders’, which is self explanatory and also clearly indicates the intent of the FNR. The FNR’s renewed mission to reconcile all the Nagas and those residing in the Naga lands was clearly stated by the FNR members during the two days of open interaction programme that was held in Dimapur and in Kohima recently. The current series of programmes that the FNR has launched and intends to continue, in its mission to reach out to the masses, is also aptly name as ‘Walking the Naga Day’.
The FNR is right that reconciliation is beyond political settlement or popularly termed as the ‘solution’.
The FNR is right that reconciliation usually occurs post settlement not when the conflict is still on and therefore more work is left for the FNR and those who are for reconciliation and healing, after the cessation of hostilities or after a settlement.
The FNR is very clear against exclusivity and have gone on record to respect non-Nagas who have decided to be with the Nagas but those who might be more legitimate in their claim to some of the lands.
Almost all ideas start with some abstraction that becomes concrete at some point only after implementation. The time is now for the Civil Society to support such initiatives to make this idea into a reality. It is a concept that transcends the narrow divisions that is currently dragging the Nagas down. Such an initiative needs support from all. It is time to stop the finger pointing for once and instead provide the necessary impetus to the FNR.
