Ao Officers’ Telungjem holds first conference in Mokokchung

MOKOKCHUNG — A landmark moment unfolded for the Ao community as the Ao Officers’ Telungjem (AOT) was officially formed during its first conference held under the patronage of Ao Senden at Town Hall, Mokokchung, on Saturday.

The event, attended by over 650 officers serving both within Nagaland and beyond, saw unanimous consent for the formation, marked by a collective rising of hands, signalling a new era of unity and purpose for the community.

The conference featured addresses from prominent leaders, setting a visionary tone.

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Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA) Speaker Sharingain Longkumer delivered the keynote address, outlining three pivotal points: the need for a new narrative, alignment with the Viksit Bharat 2047 vision, and the importance of a truthful census.

He interpreted the conference theme, “Kü Lima, Kü Khu” (My Country, My Duty), as a call to responsibility. “This is my obligation towards my people, my job to serve in all capacities,” he stated, linking it to the pioneering spirit of Naga forefathers who embraced duty without prejudice.

Longkumer highlighted that this inherited determination, seen as a divine trust, has united the officers today to fulfil a legal and moral duty to the larger Naga community.

Longkumer urged the creation of a “resounding and resurgent narrative” to surpass current challenges, reflecting the era’s narrative-driven dynamics.

His second point focused on Viksit Bharat 2047, India’s vision for a developed nation by 2047, with only 22 years remaining. He challenged the AOT to envision Mokokchung’s role, encouraging proactive planning to contribute to Viksit Bharat 2047 Mokokchung. This proposal by the NLA Speaker was passed as a conference resolution.

The third point addressed the census, proposing a pure Ao citizen count starting at the church level with Ao Baptist Arogo Mungdang (ABAM) involvement. “Let truth prevail; we cannot lie to ourselves or our people,” he insisted, noting that while Assembly delimitation remains pending in court, Parliamentary delimitation is underway.

Chief Secretary of Nagaland, Sentiyanger Imchen, reflected on the long-standing desire to form an Ao officers’ forum, acknowledging the difficulty of Ao unity. “Only today have we succeeded in forming the Ao Officers’ Association,” he said, expressing hope that AOT would open new paths for the community.

He underscored unity as strength, warning that without it, the community risks fragmentation.

Imchen reminded officers of their societal debt despite enjoying deserved salaries, job guarantees, and medical coverage, urging them to leverage their knowledge and experience for the society.

In a rapidly changing world, he called officers to be torchbearers, addressing Nagaland’s social, economic, unemployment, and political challenges, including the Naga issue, by providing ideas to political leaders for political solutions.

Asangba Chuba Ao, Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Civil Aviation, Government of India, hailed the day as historic, crediting Ao Senden’s support and the efforts of individuals who materialised the dream.

He highlighted the overwhelming response, connecting with over 100 Ao officers across India and abroad via social media within a week, including 20 UPSC qualifiers, 40 in ONGC, GSI, and PSUs, and 15 above lieutenant colonel rank in defence service, plus 25 in central police and medical services.

Officers outside Nagaland suggested virtual conferences, driven by a shared recognition of the community’s challenges, he said.

Drawing from his central ministry experience, he cited Singapore’s education system, China’s transport infrastructure, Vietnam’s tourism, Kerala’s healthcare, Tamil Nadu’s manufacturing, Gujarat’s rapid development, and Arunachal Pradesh’s airport expansion plans, while noting Nagaland’s relative lag in comparison.

Ao Senden president Marsanen Imsong described the conference as a blessing not just for Aos.

He called them the community’s elite think tank, reinforcing the “My Land, My Duty” theme.

As officers rise, he urged them to embrace greater responsibility, warning against complacency.

Imsong highlighted the endangerment of the Ao language, with Ao Reju under Ao Senden striving to preserve it, though financial support is needed. AOT resolved to contribute to this cause.

He also appealed for a trust to offer free UPSC and competitive exam coaching under former IAS officers’ supervision.

Addressing the highest unemployment among Ao youths as per Employment Exchange records, he said that this needs urgent attention otherwise it might create social issues in future. He also urged AOT to tackle migration by creating local opportunities for reverse migration.

Other speakers included Advisor Tongpang Ozukum, MLA Nuklutoshi Longkumer (Chairman DPDB Mokokchung), theme speaker Dr. Sentitula IFS (DFO Mokokchung), and Watsu Mungdang President Tianaro Jamir.