Ao Students' Conference and Ongpangkong Students' Conference defend free speech and dialogue on the Naga political issue amid controversy over SC Jamir.
DIMAPUR — The Ao Students' Conference (AKM) and the Ongpangkong Students' Conference (OKM) have asserted the right to free speech and public debate concerning the Naga political issue, following recent reactions against veteran political leader SC Jamir.
In a press release issued on Wednesday, AKM stated that the ongoing discussion surrounding Jamir should be approached through democratic dialogue and public debate, affirming that questioning political views should not be equated with questioning the right to speak.
The student body stated that if Jamir has expressed views on the Naga political issue, those perspectives remain open to questioning, disagreement, and scrutiny. It maintained that if every Naga has the freedom to express an opinion on the Naga political issue, then every Naga must equally have the freedom to question, challenge, and seek clarification on such opinions.
It stressed that no individual or organisation should claim exclusive ownership over the right to discuss the political future of the Naga people.
The release added that if a statement made by any individual is considered factually or historically incorrect, the concerned parties should place the facts, records, and reasons before the Naga public. It stated that the answer to a disputed political view should be another well-reasoned view, rather than an attempt to silence the speaker.
AKM reiterated that the Naga political issue is a collective concern of every Naga and must remain open to public discussion. It stated that differences of opinion should not be met with intimidation or condemnation but with dialogue, reasoned debate, and mutual respect.
Related: Ao Senden gives NSCN (IM) leaders 15 days to retract remarks on Jamir
‘Every Naga has right to speak on political issue’ — Supongmeren Jamir
Meanwhile, the OKM expressed deep concern over recent allegations and claims directed against Jamir regarding his statements on the Naga political issue.
In a press statement, OKM stated that every individual has the right to free speech and expression as a genuine Naga and an Indian citizen. The organisation maintained that Jamir’s utterances on Naga political matters reflect his personal opinions and beliefs, adding that it firmly believes his statements were not intended to cause any harm.
The OKM stated that the NSCN (IM)’s statements branding him as someone who is "not mandated and authorised" and merely "talking for the sake of barking", alongside assertions that he "is not an advocate of the Naga people" and has "no right to talk about the issues of the Naga people", are uncalled-for and unacceptable.
Such remarks should not be taken lightly, OKM stated, adding that any Naga citizen with an understanding of the Naga political landscape has every right to contribute views towards advancing the prolonged political process.
The student organisation noted that the ongoing war of words, accusations, and counter-allegations will yield no positive outcome, cautioning that it will only weaken unity and foster deeper divisions among the Nagas. It urged all stakeholders pursuing a peaceful settlement to work diligently towards a timely and honourable political solution.
Furthermore, OKM reaffirmed its full support for the statements and directives issued by its apex body, the Ao Senden, as well as the AKM, stating that it will remain vigilant and responsive to any further developments in the matter.