NSCN (IM) leaders retract remarks regarding SC Jamir

Two senior leaders of the NSCN (IM), Ato Kilonser and VS Atem, have retracted previous comments questioning the authority of former Nagaland Chief Minister Dr. SC Jamir to speak on the Naga political issue. In a joint declaration issued on October 6, the leaders stated that if their September 16 remarks hurt the sentiments of the Ao Senden, it was “never meant to do so” and they “do retract it forthright.”

The retraction follows a 15-day ultimatum from the Ao Senden, the apex body of the Ao Naga tribe, which had condemned the original remarks as “disparaging.” The controversy began after the 95-year-old Jamir, a signatory of the 16-Point Agreement, met with RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat in Delhi to discuss a political settlement. Following that meeting, NSCN (IM) leaders had claimed Jamir was neither authorized nor mandated to speak on the matter.

The Naga political issue remains a long-standing struggle, with the NSCN (IM) and the Government of India having signed a ceasefire in 1997 and a Framework Agreement in 2015. However, key demands regarding a separate flag and constitution remain unresolved.