DIMAPUR,JUNE26(NPN):The2ndNagaPeaceSummit
which was held fromJune 22-26 at ChiangMai in Thailandhas
carriedforwardthespiritof thefirstChiangMai
meeting inMay 2008 where the ongoing initiative has
been developed into awidermeeting of political groups
and civil societies including some TribalHohos besides
someinternationalparticipationfromAmericanBaptist
Churches and the British andCanadianQuakers.
Altogether 43participants representing variousorganizations
attended the summit.
The Forumfor Naga Reconciliation in a statement
said a letterwas received fromformerUS President JimmyCarterencouragingtheNagas
"torisetothechallenge
of leadership for your people and end the division that
has brought somuch sorrowover the years".
“We discovered an unexpected, fragile but nevertheless
deep feeling of oneness and common purpose”
the statement said adding that the gathering were once
againconnectedwithaunitywhereitwaspossibletohold
diversity while stillmaintaining the distinct identities
arising fromthehistorical andtribalisticdivisions of the
Naga people.
Stating that the gatheringwasmoved and inspired
by the signs of forgiveness and reconciliation amongst
themin themeetings, the Forumexpressed belief that
thedesireforunderstandingandtheurgeforunitywhich
they found were real. The gathering affirmed that they
will not relinquish this to their adversaries who choose
to carry forward and foment old conflicts. “The value of
suchmeetings in times of violence and sufferings is to
seek ways to nurture long-termpositive strategies and
relationships” the statement said.
Sunday, July 27, 2025