The president of Kiphire town GBs, seen here addressing a public meeting in the presence of the Quakers and Forum for Naga Reconciliation at Noklak village on February 23. (Morung Photos)
A meeting was held later, led by forum member Neingulo Krome, at Noklak village community hall. President of Khiamniungan Tribal Council (KTC), W Chuba Lam, gave a brief overview of the current situation of the Khiamniungan community, spread across the international boundaries between India and Myanmar. Besides Khiamniungan, there are about 162 villages in the Myanmar-governed territory, he said.
He shared the plight of the community which continues to suffer on many fronts – basic healthcare, education, human rights violations, religious persecution and forceful conversion to Buddhism; forced labor and many untold human tragedies from the continuing military rule in Burma. Even in the face of these odds, Lam said the Khiamnuingan community fully supports the Naga struggle and continues to uphold the Naga movement especially the initiative for reconciliation and peace.
Also, on behalf of the FGN (Singya), kedallo (“vice president”) Zhopra Vero, reaffirmed its commitment to the 1947 declaration of Naga independence, the 1951 Plebiscite and the NNC’s policy of “non-violence”.
Presentation were made to the representatives of the Quakers and Forum for Naga reconciliation by the outfit’s kilo kilonser (“home minister”) Zhaleo. Mention may be made here that both the Quakers and the members of the forum held informal but separate meetings with Singya, “president” of the FGN and his colleagues before leaving Noklak the following day, February 24.
Yimchungru representatives also spoke on the long years of suffering the Nagas had to go through due to the internal conflict and one which has only given advantage to adversaries. Appeals were made to the Nagas to be one. Widows and orphans have left behind by the “struggle for sovereignty”, stated the representatives, narrating the pain from the internal conflict. It is time the Nagas make peace to achieve common aspirations. The Yimchungru representatives extended fullest support and cooperation to the forum’s efforts for reconciliation. Representatives of the Yimchunger Tribal Council and United Sangtam Likhum Bumji also addressed the gathering.
Further, the president of Kiphire town GBs also took time to share his concerns to the gathering. He noted the fratricidal killings amongst the Naga underground groups particularly the NSCN and FGN, as well as the materialistic culture of today’s Nagas. He remarked, “I may die but the land will remain as it is. Nagas should be united in one body, one mind and one struggle. If Nagas are one and united things will be okay. Besides Nagas should speak the truth and walk their talks”. The GBs’ chief narrated how Phizo was at Pangsa during the early years of the struggle. “To give or take independence is in the hands of the public, the different factions should be more honest and not to lie to us - your elders. If you do not unite the public will not co-operate with the movement anymore” the GB leader reminded.
Speaking at the meeting, convener of the Forum for Naga Reconciliation Dr. Wati Aier informed the gathering that the forum, composed of the representatives of all Naga mass-based organizations, is a year old forum which got birth through ‘divine intervention’ in February 2008. He told the meeting that all the Naga “political” groups have given their commitment for Naga reconciliation. Dr. Aier said that the desire and decision for reconciliation is just the beginning to the long journey of genuine reconciliation.
“Eastern” Nagas are important to the Naga family; they constitute the first category with rich cultural heritage, he said. He appealed to the “eastern” Nagas to be firm and united on reconciliation and peace as Nagas can be strong only when they are united. Wati also reminded that the forum is open to constructive criticism. The forum is committed and will not betray the trust of the Naga people, he assured.
On behalf of the Quakers, Stuart Morton delivered solidarity messages to the Naga reconciliation movement. He said that the Quakers, a religious Society of Friends involving in the Naga people’s cause has a deep emotional link to the Naga people and land. He shared a story of one of the Quakers members Ram, a Tamil whose family was displaced in Burma during World War II and whose family was assisted by the Naga people.
Morton reminded that ‘our work is the seed of such action’. Stuart also recounts one event during his previous visit to Nagaland where a woman described to him about the ‘imposed division of Naga house into India and Burma’ as a part of the British’s colonial legacy. “I cannot say anything on behalf of the British Government but on behalf of British people I seek your forgiveness”, Morton said. “Quakers believed that the light is in all humans, sometimes it is hard to find or locate but we need to continue the search” he added.
Further, he informed that the Quakers have been working with Naga leaders for the last 8 years and ‘our job is to listen, listen carefully to the stories and maintain confidentiality’. The Quakers’ role has been first to listen and learn and then explore ways and search for small steps to bring about changes, he said. ‘The Quakers works with people who work dedicatedly for peace and amongst them are the forum; “they have been in our mind since London/Chiangmai” he said. Quakers will continue making effort by meeting as many leaders as possible and the Naga people should pray for the forum as it is a ‘gift’ to the Nagas at this point of struggle, he said. Stuart concluded by mentioning his favorite quote from Mahatma Gandhi’s favorite song, “lead kindly light”.
A cultural event was displayed by the five tribes Khiamniungan, Yimchunger, Sangtam, Phom and Chang, singing and dancing the indigenous way. The Khiamniungan Students’ Union and the ‘Mountain Warriors’ also sang for the gathering. The ‘Mountain Warriors’ sang “the echoes of this music become the echoes of peace; let warriors’ echoes protect the peace makers”.