By -Asangba Tzudir
On September 27, 2025, in the continuing journey of common hope for Nagas, all eyes and ears were drawn attention through the coming together of 15 Naga Political Groups (NPGs), 33 Naga Tribal Hohos, and the Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR) in Zunheboto to adopt the “Zunheboto Resolution.” The document, which was couched in the spirit of unity and reconciliation, aspires to keep the Naga people together in their long and complex political journey. The resolution is a reflection of gratitude, hope, and a renewed call for healing.
However, as inspiring as it sounds, the latest resolution which is a part of the ongoing process of Naga Reconciliation once again invites scrutiny on whether it is enough to address the deep fractures and practical challenges of the Naga political struggle.
The resolution very rightly and aptly starts with the “Resolution of Appreciation,” thanking the host communities, civil society, and leaders who provided the platform for dialogue. Such expression of thanksgiving and gratitude may seem ceremonious, but it plays a pivotal role in setting up the reconciliatory tune. The acknowledgment of the Government of India’s recognition of the “uniqueness of Naga history” is also crucial to charting the course of the ongoing Naga political struggle. However, beyond appreciation lies the tougher task of converting this recognition into tangible political outcomes and for which reconciliation is indeed crucial.
This follows the resolution relating to the “Joint Naga Team” and the “Naga Machang” under the Council of Naga Cooperation and Relationship (CNCR). Here lies both strength and weakness. The idea of a common ground for all Nagas, transcending factional divisions, is indeed profound and powerful. For too long, the multiplicity of NPGs has eroded both credibility and bargaining power. Sadly, the ‘number’ is increasing and this itself begs the question - How realistic is the call for immediate unity? History attests to the fact that Naga groups, despite signing ceasefires and covenants, have struggled to sustain collective platforms. And so, without addressing the root causes of mistrust and divisions, the Machang risks becoming symbolic rather than functional.
The most hopeful part of the resolution is the “Resolution on genuine forgiveness and cooperation among all Nagas.” Starting with the cease fire agreement which has helped reduce factional violence to the Covenant of Naga Reconciliation signed earlier, and the various resolutions and covenants adopted and leading to the latest “Zunheboto resolution” builds upon that achievement. However, the ‘appeal’ for forgiveness, ‘healing’ and reconciliation should be grounded on reality where mechanisms of truth-telling, accountability, and healing must be institutionalized. One cannot ignore the facts of history and the events unfolding the history because forgiveness without accountability risks trivializing the very wounds that scar the Naga people.
Further, the bounds and limits of human beings is such that it calls for prayer, and the resolution rightly emphasizes on the need for prayer, stressing on the spiritual dimension of the Naga journey. This is not without significance, given the centrality of faith in Naga identity. However, prayers must not be turned into a substitute but one that complements political courage and transparent action.
Spiritual renewal provides hope, but hope alone cannot resolve the long standing questions of sovereignty, autonomy, and governance.
The Zunheboto Resolution represents promise but also puts the Naga political journey at a threshold, a limit. It is a promise because it reaffirms that Nagas have not given up on the vision of unity, peace and reconciliation. But the resolution is also located at a limit because it risks repeating past cycles of lofty declarations without concrete follow-through. The call to unite under one Machang is inspiring, but unless the NPGs show genuine ‘will to compromise’ and prioritize the collective good over factional interests, the resolution will remain aspirational.
Ultimately, the “Zunheboto Resolution” is not the end but it has really ignited a renewed beginning while offering a framework for unity, though there are hard-hitting contextually relevant questions that remain unanswered including the nature of the settlement. It is time for the Naga people to move from reconciliation towards a roadmap of action. Ultimately, it’s not the resolution but rather its actions which will determine the results.
(Dr. Asangba Tzudir writes a weekly guest editorial for the Morung Express. Comments can be emailed to asangtz@gmail.com)
