The Ao Senden has accepted the retraction issued by Lt Gen VS Atem, VC, AEM (Retd), Deputy Ato Kilonser, NSCN/GPRN, and Rh Raising, NC, Special Emissary to the Collective Leadership, NSCN/GPRN, over their statements against former Nagaland Chief Minister Dr SC Jamir on September 16, 2026.
In a press release, the Ao Senden said it “in all magnanimity and sincerity by the grace of God, honorably accepts the forthright retract” issued by the two leaders over what it described as “unacceptable statements against Dr. S.C. Jamir.”
The Ao Senden said it had received a formal retract declaration signed by both leaders, stating that their comments “were never meant to hurt the sentiments of the Ao Senden” and had been retracted “forthright.”
The development followed a deliberation held on October 3 between the Ao Senden and a delegation appointed by the Office of the NSCN (IM), during which the delegation expressed regret, according to the statement.
However, the Ao Senden said it had made it “unequivocally clear” that the statements against Dr SC Jamir had to be retracted by the individual leaders who made the statements.
“It is our understanding that any Naga leader must be a paragon of Discipline, Fortitude, Humility and Wisdom,” the Ao Senden stated.
It appealed to “all concerned to move forward in the spirit of unity and mutual respect,” while reaffirming that “no individual or group have the right to deny any Naga citizen their legitimate voice in the Naga affair.”
The Ao Senden further said it would “remain vigilant throughout” and reserved the right to “undertake appropriate action should the need arise.”
“Henceforth, any infraction against any Naga citizen must be avoided in the interest of the Nagas,” it stated.
The press release was signed by Imtipokyim, General Secretary, and Marsanen Imsong, President, Ao Senden.
