A gathering of citizens, public leaders and representatives of 160 prayer centres, churches, Naga cultural bodies, gaon buras, Naga political groups (NPGs) and civil society organisations (CSOs) adopted the “Kütsapo Proclamation” by way of raising their hands to publicly affirm and adopt proclamation on Sunday.
The proclamation was made at the gathering “Nurturing Naga Peoplehood” organised by the Naga Shisha Hoho and Forum for Naga Reconciliation, which was held from February to February 18 at Kütsapo village in Phek district under the theme ‘Liberating the Naga Spirit’.
On the concluding day on Sunday, the gathering issued a proclamation calling upon the Central government to revoke building fences that separated people of same cultural groups for peace and harmony to prevail, and to transform people to becoming self-determining people of free will. The participants also urged the Centre to peacefully consummate the Naga political issue with dignity and respect that based on Nagas’ historical and political rights.
Acknowledging that the Naga nation was wounded and stuck crying for liberation, and recognising that liberation always began from within, the participants committed to be discerning and correct themselves from within to mend divisions and nurture a renewed, healthy, and intact Naga peoplehood.
Further, in the journey to Naga reconciliation, the gathering proclaimed to uphold the “Covenant of Reconciliation” signed on June 13, 2009 through which violence ceased among the NPGs. Declaring to continue upholding this in words and actions, it called upon the NPGs to sincerely find ways to enter into genuine relationships of cooperation with a common sense of belonging. The gathering appealed to all churches across Naga land to humbly pray for peaceful resolution, reconciliation and unity, and rebuilding of Naga homeland.
For regenerating cultural values, the participants proclaimed that their appeal was holistic in nature that valued reconnecting with the deep cultural values, the land, and their way of life.
“We recognise how structural violence has institutionalized many conditions leading to corruption and impunity which are eroding our quality of life. We can become whole again by uniting to bring healing through a shared vision of Naga peoplehood,” the proclamation noted.
Acknowledging Kütsapo Village for its unyielding defence of Naga history, the participants said the gathering had become an occasion for renewal of faith in God.
According to them, there would be no forward journey out of the darkness of faith for the Nagas without the people willing to live and work together out of this present condition.
Stressing that the passing into liberation began with humans, they pointed out that the forward journey involved all people who made up the Naga nation, an all-encompassing journey where no one was left out.
Earlier, Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR) convener Rev Dr Wati Aier has emphasised the significance of the 1997 Cease-Fire Agreement between the Centre and NSCN (I-M), the subsequent 2015 Framework Agreement, and the 2019 Agreed Position between New Delhi and the Naga National Political Groups (NNPGs).
Terming all these as crucial milestones in Naga history, he also called for acknowledgment of the sacrifices made by numerous individuals for Naga nation.
Aier appealed for a roadmap for the Naga journey of common hope.
He stressed a comprehensive political analysis of geopolitical realities and an acceptance of India’s acknowledged challenges regarding Naga identity and rights. In this context, he called for both sides to navigate a “creative tension, an essential aspect of politics.”
With rapid changes occurring, he underscored the urgency for Naga people to navigate their place in the contemporary world while safeguarding their historical and political rights.
He urged both the Centre and Naga political groups (NPGs) to relinquish self-superiority and hatred. (Speech on p-6)
Speaking on the occasion, Industries and Commerce adviser Hekani Jakhalu stressed the significance of embodying true Christian values, highlighting that Nagas distinguished themselves through their profound faith in the living God.
Urging the community to reflect deeply, she called upon individuals to consider the liberation of Naga spirit, a process rooted in spiritual growth and a genuine connection with their beliefs.
In his speech, NPF Legislative Party leader Kuzholuzo (Azo) Nienu appealed leaders to align their words with actions, emphasising introspection to understand the direction the Nagas were heading and refocusing on their goals.
Expressing concern over the people shifting away from God and deviating away from their intended path, he called for a return to a stronger spiritual connection.
In his speech, Niki Sumi president NSCN/GPRN (K) admitted that reconciliation was needed among the three groups– the NNPGs and NSCN (I-M) on Agreed Position and Framework Agreement respectively, and now the NSCN-K for one Naga solution.
He remarked that reconciliation was possible only if people came together as one Naga. He stressed that for unity to prevail, all tribal organisations should align under Naga Hoho, mothers under the Naga Mothers’ Association (NMA), and students under the Naga Students’ Federation (NSF).
Acknowledging the existing divisions among Nagas, Sumi lamented that true reconciliation was yet to be accomplished, emphasising that all Nagas should unite.
In his speech, Naga People’s Movement for Human Rights (NPMHR) secretary general Neingulo Krome recollected the historical sufferings of the Nagas under the Indian Army. He said the current increase of factions could be attributed to the desires of the Naga public to wanting their own heroes, having their own agendas and wanting to settle personal issues with their enemies through national leaders and workers.
Krome pointed out to the growing arrogance among Naga public, cautioning that their bold words could be unsettling and questioned whether, in a worst-case scenario, the public would be prepared to act on their words.
He urged people not to solely blame Naga leaders, but reflect on their own role in supporting divisions. He suggested that by withdrawing support, the public could potentially encourage unity among the leaders.
Eastern Naga Students’ Association (ENSA) Myanmar president observed the constant aspiration of the Nagas to unite despite varying thoughts and ideas, narrating the positive impact such unity could have.
He highlighted the challenging conditions in the Eastern region, marked by economic poverty and educational weaknesses, adding that the rarity of such gatherings in their region made the current event even more significant and was appreciated.
NSCN/GPRN ato kilonser Michael Yepthomi, NSCN/GPRN president Yung Aung; member of Collective Leadership Rev Puni, NSCN (I-M) Steering Committee executive member Ikato Chishi Swu, NSCN/GPRN ato kilonser and NNPGs co-convener Isak Sumi and a representative from South Nagas, Manipur also spoke on the occasion.
The programme was chaired by Rev Dr Ellen Konyak Jamir, and invocation was led by Ao Baptist Church, Phek, Rev Alem.
The gathering was organised by Naga Shisha Hoho (NSH) and Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR) to rethink and strengthen the journey of Naga reconciliation, focusing on nurturing a sense of Naga identity and freeing the Naga spirit.