The Watsü Mungdang (the Apex Women’s organization of the Ao Community) issues this statement to reaffirm a foundational truth of our collective existence
The Naga political issue fundamentally belongs to every Naga by birth and we shall stand by it as our predecessor have sacrificed for the Nagas. Watsü Mungdang has taken note of the recent public discourse surrounding the statement of Dr. S.C. Jamir, former Chief Minister of Nagaland, former Governor and recipient of Padma Bhusan, on the Naga political issue and the questions raised regarding his right to speak on the matter.
Every Naga individual irrespective of political affiliation, organization, profession and position, has the right to express his or her views on matters concerning the Naga people and their future and no individual or organization can claim exclusive ownership over the right to discuss it. Differences of opinion are natural in any democratic discourse and should be addressed through dialogue and reasoned discussion, but we are shocked to hear and condemn the statement of V.S. Atem and R.H. Raising for questioning an individual right to speak. We also condemn the statement of Achumbemo Kikon MLA for humiliating our leader S.C. Jamir who continues to work tirelessly for the Nagas.
The Watsü Mungdang urge every Naga individual irrespective of political affiliation background or ideology has the legitimate right to contribute their thoughts to the public discourse without fear of intimidation or deligitimization.
Wt. Tianjaro Jamir
President, Watsü Mungdang
Wt. T. Narola Longchar
Secretary , Watsü Mungdang
(The views expressed are those of the writer and not of the newspaper)
