Nagas will remain clear and free of violence, be it through written words, mythmaking, propagating falsehoods, discriminating against specific people groups, or the causing of physical harm. We will not be provoked and it is our moral responsibility to see that these acts are not entertained in the Naga areas.
Issued by the Forum for Naga Reconciliation on July 29, 2023
The present turmoil in Manipur outlines similar patterns of conflict confronted by ethnic peoples and their neighbors around the globe. To say the least, events have been turbulent and volatile. In the last few months, our region has witnessed the frenzied construction of walls along social, ethnic, and communal lines, which has further resulted in the perpetuation of intolerance and demonization of the other. All this has led to breaking down of the social fabric and fragmentation of goodwill and civility among neighbors.
The Nagas take an essential moment to deeply reflect on the foreseeable impact of current events in Manipur on our land and society. Naga people, in the broadest sense, must vigilantly guard against playing any role in erecting walls of our own. We resolve to abstain from succumbing to hatred and innuendos of any kind. Nagas will remain clear and free of violence, be it through written words, mythmaking, propagating falsehoods, discriminating against specific people groups, or the causing of physical harm. We will not be provoked and it is our moral responsibility to see that these acts are not entertained in the Naga areas.
Accordingly, the undersigned, crossing religious and political affiliations and with gratefulness to all individuals and organizations, put into record our commitment to strive for goodwill and civility among ourselves and our neighbors. We call upon all to offer life-sustaining choices of non-violence and solidarity with those around us. God be our help!
This statement, “A Call to Goodwill” has been endorsed by the organizations that attended today’s meeting called by the Forum for Naga Reconciliation. They are: Eastern Naga Peoples’ Organization, Naga Hoho, Nagaland Gaon Bura Federation, Naga Students Federation, Tenyimi Peoples’ Organization, Global Naga Forum, Fellowship of Naga Baptist Association, comprising of 60 Baptist associations, Nagaland Joint Christian Forum, with a total of 3,786 plus churches.
After a thorough deliberation, the organizations also RESOLVED the following: “Endorsed the FNR to work out a goodwill mission to Manipur to be fully supported by the organizations gathered today the 29 July, 2023.” The resolution further called upon “other Naga organizations to render their supportive co-operation.”