Remarkable response from NPGs to people’s desire, says FNR
In a major push for Naga reconciliation, 15 Naga Political Groups (NPGs), 33 tribal hohos, and over 200 delegates adopted the ‘Zunheboto Resolution’ on September 27, 2025, under the initiative of the Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR).
The resolution, hailed as a milestone in the ongoing process, calls for unity under one ‘Machang’, genuine forgiveness among Naga groups, and collective ownership of the Naga political journey. It also appealed to churches and religious bodies to hold special prayer sessions in October 2025 for wisdom and healing.
“The Naga Machang is the common ground for all Nagas to unite on the basis of historical and political rights, and this is not merely an administrative task; it is a moral summon to unity with the resolve to judiciously act without delay,” a statement issued by the FNR said.
During a press conference after the meeting, the FNR acknowledged that this was the 15th meeting since the reconciliation process began, noting: “We are going one step at a time; 15th meeting and the progress we have made…we have reached a new milestone today.”
“The enthusiasm with which the NPGs responded to the desire of the Naga people as a common journey was remarkable and a great achievement. The keenness and seriousness of both the NPGs and tribal hohos are evident. They are making sure that it is not slipping back again,” said Niketu Iralu, a member of the FNR.
Significantly, the FNR revealed that it was the NPGs themselves who requested the presence of individual tribal hohos, thereby strengthening the participatory character of the dialogue.
Expressing gratitude, the Sumi Hoho president, Vihuto Assumi, stated: “The call for unity, peace, and reconciliation has brought all the Naga tribal bodies as well as the Naga political groups together. Just recently, the Nagaland tribes…we have come together and have formed the Naga Tribal Hohos Coordination Committee to come closer in the larger interest of the Naga people.”
He further appealed to the political groups: “After today’s meeting, Sumi Hoho on behalf of all the Naga tribal groups would like to urge the NPGs to come closer by listening to the voice of the people. If they are genuinely concerned for the cause of the people, they have to heed the desires of the Naga people and come together in the Machang.”
Key components of the Zunheboto Resolution
The historic Zunheboto Resolution, adopted today, contains four principal components:
Resolution of Appreciation
The resolution begins with an expression of deep gratitude from the Naga Tribal Hohos, Naga Political Groups, the Public, and the FNR to the Angami Public Organization, Ao Senden, and the Sumi Hoho, along with their respective communities in Jotsoma, Ungma, and Zunheboto, for their generous hospitality. It specifically acknowledges the steadfast leadership of the Sumi Hoho President and Executive team. Furthermore, the gathering formally acknowledges and appreciates the Government of India (GoI) for recognizing the “Uniqueness of Naga history, the right to self-determine our future in consonance with our distinct identity.”
Resolution on the “Joint Naga Team” and the Naga Machang
Affirming that the political journey is the collective inheritance of every Naga, the resolution declares the urgent need for all Naga civil and religious bodies to support the Naga Machang under the proposed Council of Naga Cooperation and Relationship (CNCR). It urges the NPGs to unite under one Machang without further delay, infusing it with life for the collective pursuit of an inclusive solution. The CNCR is tasked with continuing efforts to bring all NPGs together with renewed vigor.
Resolution on genuine forgiveness and cooperation
Acknowledging that the cessation of factional violence following the signing of the Covenant of Naga Reconciliation has restored hope, the resolution calls for a relationship of cooperation built on genuine forgiveness among the Naga Political Groups, between Naga Tribal Hohos, and across all sections of the Naga people. It declares that a Naga shared future is only possible through forgiveness and mutual respect, initiating processes of forgiveness within and among all bodies to achieve Naga cooperation.
Resolution to request prayer
Recognizing the spiritual dimension of the political journey, the meeting formally requests all Church and religious bodies across Naga areas to hold dedicated prayer sessions throughout the month of October 2025. These prayers are specifically requested for wisdom, healing, and courage as the Naga people walk toward reconciliation and renewal, so that the “sacred silence of prayer” may become the ground from which new hope arises.
