Mokokchung, September 14 (MTNews): The NSCN (IM) and the Working Committee, Naga National Political Groups (NNPGs) have on Wednesday reaffirmed the Covenant of Reconciliation (CoR) of June 13, 2009 by signing the ‘September Joint Accordant’ facilitated by the Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR) in Sovima, Chümoukedima.
Gen (Retired) VS Atem, Collective Leadership, NSCN (IM) and Alezo Venuh, Co-ordinator, Working Committee, NNPGs “in the spirit of belonging” signed the ‘September Joint Accordant’ “in the interest of pursuing genuine understanding among the Nagas and incrementally progressing forward.”
The signatories of the Accordant resolved to honor the Covenant of Reconciliation, signed by late Isak Chishi Swu, late SS Khaplang , and Brig (Retired) S Singnya in 2009, in letter and spirit.
“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. 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),” read the Accordant.
“We are aware of our differences and hence will guard ourselves against rifts that will further divide us,” the signatories declared in the document. “We are committed to finding ways to transcend our differences through cooperation, to be worked out in future meetings, on the basis of the CoR,” they stated. The signatories also stated that “cooperation which is socially and politically imaginative and prudently concrete is nation building begun.”
The signatories also made an urgent appeal to all individuals and organizations to refrain from all forms of rhetoric, assumptions and agendas that are divisive.
Stating that such a culture must end immediately, the September Joint Accordant read that the churches, educational institutions, civil society organizations and conscientious individuals must take the charge to lead with faithful discernment.
“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 document read.
“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 Accordant read.
