In an encouraging development, the NSCN-IM and the NNPGs have “renewed to work together in the spirit of love," and desist from all forms of armed violence and refrain from indulging in violence of words through print and social media among Naga Political Groups and the general public.
In a joint statement made available to Newmai News Network late Wednesday, the NSCN-IM and the NNPGs said they met today “in the spirit of belonging” in the presence of the Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR) in the interest of pursuing genuine understanding among the Nagas and incrementally progressing forward.
“Hence, we jointly resolve the following: The covenant of reconciliation (CoR) of June 13, 2009-signed by late Isak Chishi Swu, late SS Khaplang, and Brig (Retired) S. Singnya-will be honored in letter and in spirit”.
The statement added, “Hence, we renew to work together in the spirit of love, and desist from all forms of armed violence and refrain from indulging in violence of words through print and social media among Naga political groups and the general public”. The joint statement further added that, from this time forth, in order to chart a path forward, “we remain committed to peace and respect and to resolve outstanding issues among us (CoR)”.
The statement was jointly signed V S Atem on behalf of the NSCN-IM and Alezo Venuh on behalf of the Working Committee of the NNPGs. V S Atem is member of Collective Leadership of the NSCN-IM and Alezo Venuh is co-ordinator of the Working Committee of the NNPGs.
The joint statement then said, “We are aware of our differences and hence will guard ourselves against rifts that further divide us”.
The statement further said they are committed to finding ways to transcend “our differences” through cooperation, to be worked out in future meetings, on the basis of the COR. In this regard, they said they understand that cooperation which is socially and politically imaginative and prudently concrete is nation building begun.
The joint statement then said, “We urgently appeal to all individuals and organizations to refrain from all forms of rhetoric, assumptions and agendas that are divisive”.
The statement also said that such a culture must end immediately. In this regard, churches, educational institutions, civil society organizations and conscientious individuals must take the charge to lead with faithful discernment, it further said.
“We are committed to a dialogue in order to move forward, live in peace and overcome the cynicism, anxiety, and disagreements that have caused us to see each other as foes and strangers, rather than members of the same family,” the statement added.
“We solemnly affirm the offer of togetherness from God in Christ. This is the Naga belonging renewed and restored with God and with each other,” the joint statement of the NSCN-IM and the NNPGs further added.
