On the occasion of the 15th Anniversary of the Covenant of Reconciliation (CoR), commemorated on June 13, 2024, The Naga Rising (TNR) issued a statement today urging for the revival of the Naga Concordant for ‘One government One Tax’.
“Through this statement, we urge for the revival of the Naga Concordant that, in principle, had resolved to work towards the formation of one Naga national government,” stated TNR.
The Naga Rising stressed that the Naga Concordant signed on August 26, 2011 by Isak Chishi Swu, Th Muivah, Gen (Retd) Khole Konyak, Kitovi Zhimomi, Brig (Retd) S Singnya and Zhopra Vero, aligns with the strong sentiment of the Naga public for ‘One govt one tax’.
Moreover, The Naga Rising believes that it will also allow for the convergence of the parallel talks and help in facilitating the signing of a single agreement.
The TNR in its statement also expressed gratitude to the Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR) for their tireless effort to end killings and bloodshed among warring Naga armed groups.
“We remember and acknowledge the FNR’s immense contribution towards peacebuilding during those dark and difficult times when the Naga community was faced with ‘chaos and destruction’,” it stated.
TNR also remembered the vision and the courage demonstrated by the signatories of the CoR stating that they deserve their salute for choosing the path of reconciliation.
“It is, however, a fact that the promise and potential of Naga reconciliation has not been fully realized,” it noted and asked, “Who should take the blame for this failure and can we rectify it?” The TNR also urged every Naga, especially the FNR and the Naga Political Groups (NPGs), to sincerely reflect over this issue in order to move forward.
“Nagas are in a precarious situation where the Ceasefire has created an eco-system of breeding more division and confusion. Unless Nagas stands together in one voice, we should not expect an honourable solution as it suits the Govt of India to use our divisions to control us,” it added.
According to TNR, the time has come to go beyond reconciliation and shift focus to power-sharing.
“There is an urgent need to build a new narrative from reconciliation to formation of a single national government. Time is running out and people are impatient and frustrated with the reconciliation process as it appears to have reached a roadblock, unable to break new ground,” it continued.
It further added that building on what is already in place would require taking some bold decisions adding, “More public engagement and transparency will be key in developing the new approach for the much- needed mandate and support base, which, in turn, will build public pressure in executing the action plan.”