Naga leaders retract remarks following Ao Senden ultimatum

Naga leaders Lt. Gen. V. S. Atem and Rh. Raising have signed a declaration retracting comments made on September 16 regarding Dr. S. C. Jamir. The retraction follows a meeting on October 3 between the Ao Senden and a delegation from the NSCN-IM.

The Ao Senden initially demanded that the specific leaders responsible for the remarks personally retract them, rather than the group issuing a general expression of regret. On October 7, the Ao Senden announced it had received and accepted the signed declaration.

While the incident does not resolve the broader political struggles within the Naga movement, the event is noted for the rare occurrence of leaders meeting a standard of accountability by admitting error in a political culture where such actions are often viewed as a sign of weakness.