Mediation is a method of conflict resolution between two or more warring groups with the help of a third-party mediator. With a credible mediator (individual or group), mediation can be an effective means of addressing armed conflicts. We got to see the power of mediation at work when mediation helped end inter-factional violence and ushered in relative peace in Nagaland, India.
In this write-up, Nagaland is referring to the ancestral homeland of the Naga people in the northeast part of India and the northwest part of Myanmar. Our homeland encompasses the present Indian state of Nagaland but goes beyond state and international boundaries, a legacy of the colonial past.
The Forum for Naga Reconciliation was formed in March 2008, to reconcile the splintered armed factional groups in Nagaland. It launched its reconciliation initiative with the message “Naga Reconciliation: A Journey of Common Hope.” A breakthrough in the negotiation effort in June 2009 was the signing of the Covenant of Reconciliation by three-armed group leaders. The three leaders agreed to seek for forgiveness of the past wrongs and build a more hopeful future for the Naga community. Inter-factional killings and violence relatively ceased after this agreement.
FNR’s credibility as a mediator was established by the unwavering support of the Naga churches and civil society organizations from its inception. The seed for the formation of FNR was sown at a peace convention in February 2008. FNR was constituted in March 2008 with the support of 39 Naga frontal organizations, Nagaland Baptist Church Council, and Council of Naga Baptist Churches.
FNR was able to maintain a trustworthy image throughout their mediation process. Key in their trust building efforts is impartiality to the warring factional groups and transparency of the mediation process. Rev. Dr. Wati Aier often stressed the ad hoc status of FNR and that FNR will be dissolved when its mediation works are done. FNR’s acceptance of the provisional nature of its organization helped to maintain neutrality to conflicting groups and uphold transparency to the public.
Churches occupy a prominent place in Naga society where more than 90% of the Naga people professed as Christians. Churches can be a force for good or bad in a place like Nagaland. The support and participation of Naga churches and civil societies was crucial in the success of the negotiation efforts of FNR.
As a teenager in the late 2000s I still remember that talking about Naga political situations was frowned upon. I had to hide my copy of Nagaland and India: The Blood and the Tears (A Historical Account of the 52 Years of Indo-Naga War and the Story of Those Who Were Never Allowed to Tell it) because I was told at that time that this book was banned by the Government of India. The political situations were very sensitive, and no one wants to find themselves criticizing or taking sides. Since the reconciliation movement started, there has been an easing of tensions and more freedom of expressions in Naga land. Now I’m proud to openly write about what our people have accomplished through the hard and courageous work of mediation.
To read about Kayilu Pfoze, click here.
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