DIMAPUR, March 29 � The efforts of the Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR) towards reconciliation among the Naga underground groups saw some positive outcome following a two-day-long intensive meeting of high level leaders of three Naga groups and subsequent signing of a �Lenten Agreement�.
Addressing a press conference at the end of the meeting at Niathu Resort conference hall here today, FNR convenor Rev Dr Wati Aier described the meetings as �very, very frank and honest�. Apparently pleased at seeing the top leaders of the three groups coming together and interacting in �most friendly manner� during the two-day meeting, he expressed hopes that this would be a �Magna Carta� in Naga history and �another step towards a united future�.
Rev Wati said the agreement has been named �Lenten Agreement� since it was arrived at during the Christian season of preparation before Easter which begins 40 days prior to Easter (Sundays are not included in the count).
Asked if FNR is in touch with other groups, he said, �The FNR is in touch with other groups. We can�t afford to leave aside any group but we can�t force them too.�
The two-day meeting was represented by 12 leaders from each group. By next week, each group is expected to nominate members for working out the modalities.
�Recognizing that reconciliation is a continuous process, we urge all Naga political groups to join the Naga reconciliation and to unitedly pursue the Naga political and historical rights for the common good of all,� the FNR members said.
The FNR was formed in 2008 to reconcile the warring Naga underground outfits and its members are drawn from various Naga civil bodies, activists and intellectuals. The Forum had organised football matches for these Naga underground outfits both in Nagaland and abroad. Several reconciliation meetings were also convened under the aegis of FNR in Nagaland, Thailand and elsewhere. Numerous agreements were also signed among the Naga underground outfits to stop hostility among them.
The February 27, 2014 meeting at Niathu Resort in Dimapur was to update the Naga civil organisations about the processes and progresses of the Naga reconciliation. The �Covenant of Naga Reconciliation� was signed in June 2010, and the �Naga Concordant� in August 2011, by the highest leaders of the Naga political groups (underground groups).
