Naga organizations defend Dr SC Jamir’s right to speak on political issues

Several Naga organizations, including the Ao Senso Telongjem Dimapur (ASTD), the Dimapur Ao Youth Organisation (DAYO), and the Ao Lanur Telongjem (ALT), have condemned recent remarks made by NSCN (I-M) leaders VS Atem and RH Raising regarding former Nagaland Chief Minister and former Governor Dr SC Jamir.

The NSCN (I-M) leaders had questioned Jamir’s authority to speak on the Naga political issue, with Raising describing him as “out and out Indian” and claiming he was not an advocate for the Naga people. In response, the Ao organizations issued statements rejecting the notion that any single group or negotiating table holds exclusive authority to determine who can participate in political discourse.

The groups asserted that the Naga political issue belongs to all generations of Nagas and that Jamir, given his history as a former Chief Minister and Governor, has an inherent right to express his views. They argued that while political convictions may differ, disagreement with a leader's views should not result in the dismissal of their right to speak on collective political matters.