Speaking at the 15th anniversary commemoration of the Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR) on Thursday, Dr Akum Longchari emphasized the need for unity among the Nagas and the creation of new models for governing their affairs. Dr Longchari suggested that Nagas should embrace the values of holism and have the courage to pursue a pathway based on justice, reconciliation, and peace.
The FNR member and editor of The Morung Express spoke on the theme, “Holism: The Meeting Place for Empathy, Imagination, & Reconciliation.”
He acknowledged the significance of the Covenant of Reconciliation in ceasing armed confrontation and bloodshed among the Naga Political Groups. However, he lamented that the August 26, 2011 Naga Concordant, which affirmed the unity of the Nagas as one, remains unfulfilled.
“At present the Naga house is now more fragmented with deep polarizing relationships. Each group is manoeuvring for its advantage, and the Naga ecology is growing more insular with suspicion, mistrust, cynicism, and acute personal differences,” Dr Longchari observed.
He pointed out that the public not only feels let down but is losing faith and trust in the process. “Fragmentation weakens the Naga capacity to think and respond to existing challenges,” he added, maintaining that Nagas are losing sense of direction and, therefore, “obeys in advance to the suffocating conditions.” He cautioned that without curative measures, Naga society would succumb to conformity and complacency.
Despite acknowledging the Covenant of Reconciliation as a historical agreement that ended factional violence, he viewed that to continue the journey to wholeness, the Lenten Agreement, the September Joint Accordant and all the other agreements arrived at during Naga Reconciliation must be implemented to stop further fragmentation of the Nagas.
To overcome these suffocating conditions, Dr Longchari shared three general observations. Firstly, he highlighted the resistance to transformative ideas outside the comfort zone, which is often overshadowed by realpolitik and power dynamics. He emphasized the importance of incorporating new ideas to pave the way for progress, urging Nagas to break free from victimhood and live fully in the present while preparing for the future.
Secondly, he pointed out the challenge of creating new narratives that reflect Naga values and aspirations, as the community clings to outdated models and faces the collapse of heritage and meaning. He stressed the need to connect and harness the matrix of Naga solidarity to generate fresh ideas and values. He viewed that understanding the interplay of history, geography, and politics is crucial in nurturing a new generation capable of envisioning a brighter future.
Thirdly, Dr Longchari highlighted the delicate balance between justice and practicality. He called for a holistic and judicious process that addresses the burdens of violent history, restores broken relationships, and defines a dignified shared future. He emphasized the importance of open communication, listening to each other’s perspectives, and speaking truth with love and respect. Acknowledging mistakes, being accountable, and offering apologies are crucial steps toward healing and reconciliation, he held.
In conclusion, Dr Longchari emphasized the need for healing leadership to facilitate this transformative process.