Photo Courtesy: nagalandpost
Kohima: Ao community groups are pushing back against public efforts to silence veteran Naga leader and former Chief Minister Dr. SC Jamir. The Ao Senso Telongjem Chümoukedima (ASTC), the Ao Youth Organisation Chümoukedima (AYOC), and the Ao Lanur Telongjem (ALT) issued statements September 21 defending Jamir’s right to speak on regional politics. These groups reject claims that the former governor of Odisha, Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Goa lacks a mandate to discuss Naga issues.
The ALT condemned recent remarks from NSCN (IM) leaders V.S. Atem and R.H. Raising. Atem previously claimed Jamir lacked authorization to represent the people, while Raising labeled him a non-entity. ALT convenor Imnaonen Pongen and co-convenor Tia Longchar demanded an immediate retraction of these statements. The organization questioned the NSCN (IM) for claiming an exclusive monopoly over the movement when 37 distinct political groups exist today. The group pointed to history, asking where these critics were during the 1929 Simon Commission memorandum, the 1951 Naga Plebiscite, and the 1958 Naga People’s Convention in Ungma.
"Dr SC Jamir is a true son of the soil who has dedicated his entire life to the service of Nagaland and its people. He possesses every right to speak on the Naga political issue," the ALT stated. The union reminded detractors that Jamir survived four assassination attempts, asserting his legacy remains an inseparable part of history.
The groups also targeted NPF secretary general Achumbemo Kikon for calling Jamir an old man in a hurry. The ALT fired back, suggesting Kikon is a young man in a hurry to boost his own political profile. Meanwhile, the NPF dismissed these controversies as secondary, labeling allegations from K. Therie as politically motivated. The party defended its role as a facilitator for an inclusive, honorable, and lasting solution based on the Framework Agreement and the Agreed Position. They insisted that the Naga issue transcends any single party or election cycle.
The ASTC and AYOC joined the chorus of support, maintaining that political disagreements are legitimate but do not justify questioning an individual's identity. They stressed that the Naga political issue belongs to no single faction. All groups urged restraint, arguing that the public should focus on peaceful, honorable, and inclusive settlements rather than personal attacks. They warned that dismissing veteran voices risks further deepening internal divisions among the Naga people.
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