Ao Lanur Telongjem condemns reported personal attacks on former Nagaland CM SC Jamir and calls for restraint, inclusive dialogue and an early settlement of the Naga political issue.
Telongjem urges restraint in political discourse, inclusive approach on Naga issue
DIMAPUR — The Ao Lanur Telongjem (ALT) has condemned what it described as “politically motivated personal attacks” against former Nagaland Chief Minister and former Governor Dr. SC Jamir, by leaders of the NSCN (IM) and Naga People's Front (NPF).
In a statement, the ALT took exception to remarks attributed to NSCN (IM) Deputy Ato Kilonser VS Atem and Collective Leadership member RH Raising, who reportedly questioned Jamir’s authority to represent the Naga people in ongoing political negotiations and described him as “not an advocate of the Naga people.”
The ALT demanded that Atem and Raising retract the statements, asserting that Jamir, as a veteran statesman and former chief minister, has the right to express his views on the Naga political issue.
“The Naga issue belongs to no single individual or faction. Every Naga has an inherent stake and equal right to speak on our collective political future,” the organisation stated.
The ALT also questioned what it termed the NSCN (IM)’s claim to an exclusive mandate, noting that multiple Naga political groups are currently involved in the political discourse.
It referred to historical milestones including the Naga memorandum to the Simon Commission in 1929, the Naga Plebiscite of 1951 and the Naga People’s Convention at Ungma in 1958.
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The organisation said political differences were legitimate but warned against “vilification” of veteran leaders, arguing that Jamir’s decades of public service and role in Nagaland’s political history could not simply be dismissed.
The ALT further expressed concern over reported remarks by Achumbemo Kikon, MLA and NPF Secretary General, who referred to Jamir as “an old man in a hurry.”
While acknowledging Kikon as a young politician with potential, the ALT said such remarks were unbecoming of a responsible public figure and urged him to exercise restraint.
“Decades of public service give Dr. Jamir unmatched experience in statecraft and the Naga political issue,” it stated, adding that youthful enthusiasm should be tempered by the experience of senior leaders.
The organisation also referred to four reported assassination attempts on Jamir’s life, saying his survival had not erased his contribution to Nagaland’s political history.
The ALT warned that continued personal attacks and political divisions could adversely affect the Naga people at a critical juncture.
It said the public had borne the consequences of prolonged political uncertainty and called for greater restraint in political discourse.
The organisation reiterated its call for an early, honourable and inclusive settlement of the Naga political issue based on the Framework Agreement and the Agreed Position.