Central Nagaland Tribes Council urges restraint over remarks on SC Jamir

DIMAPUR — The Central Nagaland Tribes Council (CNTC) has appealed to all Naga political groups, civil society organisations and public figures to exercise restraint and uphold mutual respect following recent remarks by NSCN (IM) leaders concerning former Nagaland Chief Minister and senior statesman Dr. SC Jamir.

In a statement, the CNTC expressed “deep regret” over the public remarks made by VS Atem, Deputy Ato Kilonser of the NSCN (IM), and Rh Raising, Special Emissary to the Collective Leadership of the NSCN (IM), concerning Jamir.

While acknowledging that differing perspectives and robust debate are part of political discourse, the CNTC said some of the observations directed at Jamir had “gone beyond the bounds of constructive engagement.”

The council maintained that questioning the standing or right of a senior Naga leader to express views on matters of common concern could introduce “an unhelpful and divisive element” into an already complex political situation.

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“The Naga political journey is a shared inheritance of the Naga people as a whole,” the CNTC stated, adding that Jamir, as a living participant in the modern history of the Nagas and a senior public figure, “retains every right, as a Naga, to offer his considered reflections on the political future of our people.”

The council further cautioned that attempts to measure or diminish the legitimacy of any Naga’s contribution based on perceived political alignment could deepen mistrust at a time when unity and mutual respect are needed.

Invoking Naga customary values, the CNTC said respect for elders and dialogue grounded in reason and historical understanding have long been regarded as important principles. “Political differences, however strongly held, ought not to override these foundational principles of dignity and civility,” it stated.