Baptist Church welcomes Naga leaders' meet to end hostilities

Baptist leaders have welcomed a pledge taken by three major Naga groups to cease all hostilities and strengthen reconciliation in Nagaland.

On September 18, top leaders of three Naga underground groups - NSCN-IM, NSCN-K and NNC/FGN - made a joint declaration at Dimapur to maintain unity and resolve differences by ending all hostilities, including any territorial expansion.

The Baptist World Alliance (BWA) hailed the signing of peace accord which was under the aegis of Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR).

"We are greatly encouraged by the recent news coming out of the September Summit in Dimapur," said BWA General Secretary Neville Callam.

He appreciated the "symbolism of this covenant" and urged those who signed the covenant to "remain committed to this reconciliation as it will make a lasting impact in the lives of their people."

The BWA and Baptists in the past helped to broker several peace meetings and pledged to constantly work to end the conflict which has claimed hundreds of lives.

The Church-led FNR meanwhile in a release said the leaders "patiently listened to each other and emphasized the need for Naga Reconciliation and to end all violence and bloodshed amongst the Nagas."

Terming it as a 'historic landmark' in the struggle for Naga rights, the Forum said it was "encouraged by the positive attitude shown by the leaders" and urged them to continue "displaying wise and courageous leadership for Naga Reconciliation".

"We encourage the Naga people to fearlessly speak and work for Reconciliation in the spirit of forgiveness," it yrged.

The Forum expressed its gratitude to the Baptist World Alliance, Quakers and American Baptist Churches for their prayers and "for walking with the Nagas in our Journey towards Reconciliation".

The Sept. 18 meeting was attended by NSCN-IM general secretary Thuingaleng Muivah; NSCN-K general secretary Kitovi Zhimomi; brigadier (retd.) S. Singnya, who heads the Naga National Council.

The leaders have affirmed to "offer ourselves to Naga Reconciliation and Forgiveness in the spirit of love, non-violence, peace and respect to resolve outstanding issues."

The Nagaland government and the state Cabinet welcomed the decision and expressed appreciation to civil society, the church and the Forum for Naga Reconciliation for their efforts to bring about reconciliation.