Ao Students’ Conference (AKM) believes that the present discussion surrounding Dr. S.C. Jamir should be approached through democratic dialogue and public debate. If Dr. Jamir has expressed views on the Naga political issue, those views are open to questioning, disagreement and scrutiny. At the same time, questioning his views should not be equated with questioning his right to speak.
If every Naga has the freedom to express an opinion on the Naga political issue, then every Naga must equally have the freedom to question, challenge and seek clarification on such opinions. No individual or organization should claim exclusive ownership of the right to discuss the political future of the Naga people.
If astatement made by any individual is considered factually or historically incorrect, let the concerned parties place the facts, records and reasons before the Naga public. The answer to a disputed political view should be another well-reasoned view, not an attempt to silence the speaker.
AKM believes that the Naga political issue concerns every Naga and therefore must remain open to public discussion. Every Naga has the democratic right to express an opinion, question a position, disagree with a view, or seek clarification. Differences of opinion should not be met with intimidation or condemnation, but with dialogue, reasoned debate and mutual respect. The Naga political issue is a collective concern, and no individual or organization should claim exclusive ownership over the right to discuss it.
(The views expressed are those of the writer and not of the newspaper)
