Ao Students' Conference (AKM) states views on the Naga political issue should be addressed through democratic dialogue and reasoned debate.
DIMAPUR — The Ao Students' Conference (AKM) has stated that the ongoing discussion surrounding Dr. SC 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.
In a press release issued on Wednesday, AKM stated that if Dr. Jamir has expressed views on the Naga political issue, those perspectives remain open to questioning, disagreement, and scrutiny.
The student body 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.
Also read: Ao Senden gives NSCN (IM) leaders 15 days to retract remarks on Jamir
Central Nagaland Tribes Council urges restraint over remarks on SC Jamir
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.