Watsü Mungdang reaffirms every Naga’s right to express views on the Naga political issue, while condemning remarks questioning SC Jamir’s right to speak.
MOKOKCHUNG — The Watsü Mungdang, the apex women’s organisation of the Ao community, on Tuesday reaffirmed that the Naga political issue is the shared inheritance of every Naga by birth and that all Nagas have the right to express their views on the issue.
In a press release, the organisation said it had taken note of the recent public debate following remarks by Dr SC Jamir, former Chief Minister of Nagaland, former Governor and Padma Bhushan awardee.
“The Naga political issue fundamentally belongs to every Naga by birth, and we shall stand by it just as our predecessors sacrificed for the Nagas,” it stated.
The Watsü Mungdang said every Naga, irrespective of political affiliation, organisation, profession or position, has the right to express views on matters concerning the Naga people and their future.
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It asserted that no individual or organisation can claim exclusive ownership of the right to discuss the issue.
The organisation said differences of opinion are natural in a democratic discourse and should be addressed through dialogue and reasoned discussion.
It, however, expressed “shock” at and strongly condemned statements by NSCN (IM) leaders VS Atem and RH Raising questioning an individual’s right to speak.
It also condemned remarks by MLA Achumbemo Kikon, alleging that they humiliated Jamir.
Reiterating its position, the Watsü Mungdang said every Naga, regardless of political affiliation, background or ideology, has a legitimate right to contribute to public discourse without fear of intimidation or de-legitimisation.