Against the backdrop of gunfight between cadres of Zeliangrong United Front and NSCN (I-M) in Noney district, Manipur on December 17, the Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR) has said that factional violence was too costly for Naga reconciliation and unity.
In a statement, FNR said that the recent factional clash, after a long pause from armed confrontation, has brought back dark and bitter memories, adding that violence among Naga political groups (NPGs) was shattering the fragile peace. “This undermines the commitment and significant progress made through the Naga Reconciliation – The Journey of Common Hope,” it said.
Further, the forum asserted that the occurrence of factional violence reminded all Nagas of the imperative need for complete cessation of all forms of violence among all NPGs. FNR stressed that the end of factional violence must be permanent, not temporary.
Therefore, FNR has urged the NPGs, particularly ZUF and NSCN (I-M), urged not to leave the current situation at an impasse. FNR has appealed for immediate restraint to ensure that the situation did not spiral into further violence.
It maintained that Nagas must end resorting to violence and brute force to address differences. “This only builds social and political boundaries of fear, distrust, and exclusion within our weakening and fragmented society,” FNR stated.
In this advent season, FNR called for a new imagination where the NPGs muster the moral and political courage to renew the process of dialogue, healing, and reconciliation. It said that the process required respect for one another so a tangible and sincere relationship of cooperation based on the historical and political rights of the Nagas could be reached. “Only then will space open for the Naga people to take this journey forward towards meaningful reconciliation, harmonious coexistence and integration within the Naga peoplehood,” FNR remarked. For the sake of future generations, FRN has called for learning from experience and ensure that the past was not repeated.