Th Muivah
NSCN (IM) general secretary Th Muivah. (File image )

The Forum for Naga Reconciliation appealed to the Naga national groups, particularly the Naga National Political Groups (NNPGs) and the NSCN (IM) to meet and address all outstanding differences through dialogue and explore a common ground.

The Forum’s appeal follows the paper war between the NNPGs and NSCN (IM) in recent times, with both sides differing on the stand over the demand for a separate flag and constitution.

In its appeal on Saturday, the Forum said given the tense and fragile context, the Naga national groups, particularly the NNPGs and the NSCN (IM) should refrain from media confrontation.

“This is only harming the Naga society and making us more vulnerable to further division,” it said.

The Forum extended appreciation to the groups for upholding their commitment to the Covenant of Naga Reconciliation.

“We believe that even in this difficult situation, the principle of reconciliation will be upheld in letter and spirit,” it said.

The Forum said it remained impartial and committed to Naga reconciliation on the basis of Naga historical and political rights.

Saying that the Nagas are at a “turning point”, especially as the climate of fear, suspicion, confusion, division and uncertainty threatens to overwhelm the Naga people, it called for honesty, sincerity and discernment as the groups “navigate” their way through the challenges.

The Forum also called for a “healing leadership and visionary statesmanship” in order to address all differences and find common ground.

Bhadra Gogoi is Northeast Now Correspondent in Nagaland. He can be reached at: [email protected]