Feb 23, 2009

Nagalim: ‘Let My People Go’


Active Image The Naga Convention for Reconciliation and Hope began this weekend in order to focus on political talks and reconciliation.

 

 

Below is an article published by: The Morning Express

The Forum for Naga Reconciliation is all set to take “Naga Reconciliation: A Journey of Common Hope” to another level with a two-day Naga Convention for Reconciliation and Peace. To be held at Kohima local ground, the convention is scheduled for February 21-22 [2009]. With the theme “Let My People Go”, the convention is expected to be more than just another “purely spiritual” meeting but rather, a new resort to listen to the voice of the Naga people.


The convention is open to all Nagas. According to the forum’s convener, Rev. Dr. Wati Aier, the Naga Convention for Reconciliation and Peace will be a time for the Nagas to look at the current difficulties and “trying to figure out as to where do we go from here”.


The meeting will dwell on reconciliation while also acknowledging and supporting the Naga political talks, on with the centre. “We are not saying that the talks (Indo-Naga talks) should stop and reconciliation must happen. But we want that both the talks and reconciliation must be given equal emphasis” Dr. Aier said.

Over the theme of the convention – “Let My People Go” – the forum’s convener said it had always been the message of the Nagas’  founding fathers. “It is a message, a slogan and a commitment….a phrase we have used for more than 60 years” Rev. Aier said. Everything about the call of the Nagas boils down to the phrase ‘let my people go’ he explained.

Offering a brief highlight of the event, Rev. Dr. Wati Aier said the convention would have solidarity messages from civil society and Naga churches. There would also be music from different choirs while a session called ‘Celebrate the Naga Spirit’ which is to be a couple of musical hours from renowned Naga musicians, will be held. The main speakers of the convention are Rev. Zhabu Terhuja, general secretary of the Nagaland Baptist Church Council and Rev. Dr. Wati Aier.

Further, Rev. Aier said the convention was organized in response to the resolution of September 25, last year’s [2008] convention at Sumi Baptist Church in Dimapur, to organize a bigger meeting of the Naga brethren. He also clarified that the registration of delegates was meant only for tribal delegates to ascertain how many people from different tribes attend the event. Welcoming all  to attend the convention, Rev. Dr. Wati Aier said that it is the duty of every Naga to be there   so that the voice and aspirations of the Naga people can be communicated to all the Naga “political groups”.