Undeterred by some civil society organizations and Naga Political Groups deciding to abstain from the Common Platform for an early Naga political solution, the Nagaland Gaon Bura Federation Peace Committee is all set to go ahead with the proposed programme on November 18 at 10 a.m. at Agri Expo site.

Addressing media persons today, Convenor of the Organizing Committee, Shikuto Zalipu clarified the role of the NGBF in a new peace initiative. He explained that on March 20, 2025, various Naga civil society organizations, including the Nagaland Tribal Council, Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR) and others from Nagaland, Assam and Arunachal Pradesh held a consultative meeting.

He said during this meeting it was decided that the Nagaland GB Federation would “spearhead” the effort to bring all groups together on a common platform to work towards a solution for the Naga political issue.

Zalipu emphasized that their role is “to provide a platform, not to lead”, allowing experts, former parliamentarians, and bureaucrats to contribute.

Highlighting the March 20 resolutions, he said they had decided to urge the Government of India to prepare a “common draft” by merging the Framework Agreement and the Agreed Position into a single document for an ultimate solution; and that they would appeal to the Nagaland Joint Christian Forum to organize a day of fasting and prayer for an early political solution.

He also clarified that this initiative is not a “parallel” process and that they fully support the FNR’s work on reconciliation among different factions.

Reiterating that the civil society organizations had given their endorsement for the common platform, Zalipu said, “We know our limitations. We are just providing platform. That’s all”.

Advisor, NGBF and former President, Vikuto Zhimomi said that NGBF has just given a platform for the civil society organizations to hold the common platform. “It is a people’s movement…every individual, every Hoho should come forward demanding the solution to the Naga political issue,” he stressed, adding, “We are not just telling the Naga political groups, but both the Government and the negotiating parties to hammer out a solution”.

He also stressed that every corner of Nagaland should come and “shout for solution” and there should be no difference or parallel organization. “It is for the Nagas, not for a single party,” he clarified.

Convenor of the Mediation Committee, Theja Theireh, underscored the collective desire for peace among Nagas and urged citizens to prepare themselves to “welcome the solution” to the long-standing political issue.

He stressed that despite “discourses, misunderstandings, and many elements moving around,” the organising committee remains focused and undeterred. He said the event scheduled for tomorrow is expected to be a “huge landmark” as people across communities desire peace beyond politics, tribal affiliations, or organisational differences.

“The silent masses understand better than the leaders today,” he said, noting that the Naga society is broadly divided into three positions—those demanding complete sovereignty, those opposing any compromise with the Government of India, and those willing to negotiate and seek a middle ground for peaceful coexistence.

Theireh acknowledged the century-long political struggle and 28 years of negotiations with the Centre, saying that the two existing agreements are “gentleman’s agreements” that must not be ignored. “We want to hammer out something from these agreements. Peace must be derived from them,” he stated.

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Reaffirming support for the Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR), he said the mission of the FNR is holistic—focused on healing, reconciliation, overcoming hatred, and addressing past injuries. He added that churches, civil societies, and the wider public are united in praying and working for peace.

The convenor also highlighted the role of the GB Federation, which has been endorsed by civil society groups and the FNR to lead public outreach that eventually led to the formation of the present organising committee.

“If the minds of the people are not prepared, the landing ground may not be smooth. The plane of negotiation may crash. We don’t want that,” he cautioned, adding that the people’s readiness is essential to ensure a smooth and acceptable solution.

Naga Hoho President, Salunthung Lotha said the biggest challenge facing Naga society today is a “trust deficit,” which he attributed to ego and an unwillingness to acknowledge one’s own shortcomings. “Sometimes we have to mention our negativity also,” he remarked, urging all Nagas to sit together, reason together, and collectively address the problems ahead.

“Solution is within us, not outside our state,” he said, stressing that peace cannot come from external forces but must be nurtured from within the community through trust and confidence-building.

Invoking Christian values, Lotha reminded the gathering that peace is already accessible. “We are all Christians. Jesus told us, ‘I leave you my peace, I give you my peace.’ That means peace is very much within us,” he said. However, he added that Nagas have strayed from this path.

In a striking comparison, Lotha said, “When Jesus was crucified, he prayed, ‘Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.’ But for Nagas as Christians, we know what we are doing, yet we are doing the wrong thing.”

He reiterated that unity is essential for any progress in the Naga peace process. “Let us create a feeling of oneness among us. Unless we have a feeling of oneness, there will not be any peace,” he said, calling for differences to be threshed out through dialogue.

Lotha urged every section of the Naga community to reflect, reconcile, and work together toward lasting peace.

Spokesperson of Senior Citizen Association Nagaland (SCAN), Khekiye K Sema clarified that the upcoming rally is an “open house” for all Nagas who desire a peaceful settlement to the political issue, stressing that no organisation or faction has been singled out or excluded.

Sema explained that the original idea of the organising committee was to bring all political groups together on one common platform to speak their minds. However, after deliberations and feedback, the committee decided to broaden the approach.

“We will make this a platform where we let the Government of India know what the factions are saying and what the general public is saying,” he said, noting that the gathering is intended to reflect collective sentiment rather than the agenda of any one group.

He stressed that the GBs (Gaon Buras) have provided the forum from which all tribes can participate, and the organising committee itself comprises members from various tribes to ensure balance and neutrality.

Sema said that while formal invitations have not been issued to specific organisations, all GBs across Nagaland have been asked to attend—regardless of whether their respective bodies permit them or not. Individuals and groups from any civil society, tribe, or association are welcome to join.

“This is a common rally, not for any one civil society or organisation. It’s an open invitation for everybody,” he stated. “Whoever feels that Nagas now deserve a peaceful environment and want a solution—those people are invited.”

He added that participants may attend individually or as groups, and that the rally is open to all generations, from youth to elders. Delegates from Naga communities outside Nagaland have also been requested to participate.

“We are not making any single definitive invitation to this or that association,” Sema emphasised. “This is an open house and an open rally for all Nagas. Come and declare that you want a solution—that is our appeal.”