Ungma Senso Mongdang has backed SC Jamir and objected to remarks by NSCN (IM) leaders VS Atem and RH Raising questioning his mandate to speak on the Naga political issue.
DIMAPUR — The Ungma Senso Mongdang, apex organisation of Ungma village, has strongly objected to recent remarks by NSCN (IM) leaders VS Atem and RH Raising questioning former Nagaland Chief Minister and Governor Padma Bhushan Dr. SC Jamir’s mandate to speak on the Naga political issue.
In a statement, the organisation said Atem and Raising had publicly stated on September 16 that Jamir was “not an advocate of the Naga people” and had “no right” to speak on matters concerning the Naga political solution.
Questioning their standing to make such remarks, the Ungma Senso Mongdang stated, “VS Atem and RH Raising are not Nagas from Nagaland,” and asked, “Who are you to question the mandate and locus standi” of a bona fide indigenous citizen and “true son of the soil of Ungma”?
The organisation said the Naga political struggle had deep roots in Nagaland and highlighted Ungma’s historical role in the political process.
It recalled that the second Naga People’s Convention was held at Ungma from May 21 to the 23rs, 1958.
It also referred to the Naga political meeting involving different factions and Naga civil society organisations, organised by the Forum for Naga Reconciliation at Ungma on August 23, 2025. “Hundreds and thousands of the people of Ungma have sacrificed for the Naga cause. Where were you? What have you done?” it asked.
Also read: Ao Senden gives NSCN (IM) leaders 15 days to retract remarks on Jamir
Naga political issue: Ao Students' Conference, OKM defend SC Jamir’s right to speak
Describing Jamir as a statesman whose contributions to Nagaland and the Naga political issue were matters of record, the organisation said his views carried “the weight of experience, sacrifice and lifelong service.”
“The Naga political issue is not the private property of any individual, faction or armed group. It belongs to the Naga people as a whole,” it stated, adding that no individual or organisation had the authority to silence or discredit a bona fide citizen of Nagaland.
The Mongdang said it unequivocally rejected the remarks against Jamir and opposed what it described as attempts by “non-Nagaland elements” to interfere in the political affairs of Nagaland.
It further declared that the people of Ungma would “not cooperate, engage or honour the leadership” of any organisation, group or faction associated with Atem and Raising.
It also said any attempt to undermine or intimidate Naga leaders of Nagaland by outsiders would face “the full resistance of our people.”
The organisation expressed solidarity with the ultimatum issued by the Ao Senden on September 23 and appreciated civil society organisations for their support.
It called on Naga organisations and citizens to remain united and resist what it described as “divisive and opportunistic politics.”
The Mongdang also criticised Nagaland MLA Achembemo Kikon, stating that he had not witnessed the struggles and sacrifices of earlier generations and should not, “based on a half-baked history,” trade the birthright of a bona fide citizen of Nagaland “for political mileage.”