Ao Senden withdraws ‘mandate’ to Naga Hoho chief P. Chuba Ozukum

EMN DIMAPUR, OCTOBER 5 Seriously deliberating on the Naga Hoho observation on NSCN (IM) statement on Changki issue which appeared in local dailies on September 17, the Ao Senden in its Presidential Council meeting decided to withdraw its mandate to P. Chuba Ozukum to represent the Ao community in Naga Hoho to save the community from “further destruction” with effect from October 4. He is no more considered a representative of Ao community in Naga Hoho, Ao Senden president Prof. Sangyu Yaden and general secretary Tsupong Longchar said in a press communiqué today. The meeting, held on October 4, took serious note of the lackadaisical attitude of the Naga Hoho led by its president P. Chuba Ozukum in countering the Ao Senden resolution dated 19th July and notification dated 6th August, 2014, by addressing the present issue in the media. “P. Chuba Ozukum has been in the Naga Hoho office representing Ao community for fourth consecutive term and on all these occasions, the Ao Senden has given endorsement for his nominations despite having so many other candidates,” the Ao Senden said. “The meeting is fully convinced and clear that after getting the blessing of Ao Senden over all these years unfortunately P. Chuba Ozukum has never been supportive to the decision of his community,” the release stated. The Ao Senden also warned that if the Naga Hoho fails to take appropriate actions against P. Chuba Ozukum for his alleged involvement in anti-Ao activities within 10 days, it may be compelled to initiate necessary steps as per the established cultural norms of the Ao community. “The Ao Senden is fully aware and determined that this time the apex body is confident to settle the Changki issue knowing that it has been the desire of the Ao Senden for a long term solution which can benefit all the citizens within the Changki Village,” the release stated. The Ao Senden noted that the conflict and human rights violation in Changki village has created serious implications, complicating the matter and making it more sensitive among the Aos over the last eight years. “Having based on cultural tradition, the Ao Senden places the citizen rights and public welfare as its top priority and has resolved to do so till a permanent conducive atmosphere is created at Changki Village,” the release said. The Ao Senden maintained that it is clear that the long years of human rights violation and suffering experienced by the certain sections of people at Changki village is due to negligence of district administration and law enforcing agencies, thereby leaving the minority virtually at the mercy of the criminals. Meanwhile, the Ao Senden duly acknowledged the appreciation made by Secretary of GPRN Kilo Affairs Th. Rainam, on behalf of his government, after observing the initiatives taken against the violation of human rights on the minority allegedly by Changki Ayim Asem Senso Mungdang.