The Ao Senden has condemned recent remarks made by two senior NSCN (IM) leaders against former Nagaland Chief Minister Dr SC Jamir and asked them to retract their statements within 15 days.
In a statement issued on September 23, the Ao Senden said it was referring to remarks made by VS Atem, Deputy Ato Kilonser of the NSCN (IM), and RH Raising, a member of the NSCN (IM) Steering Committee, on September 16.
The Senden said Atem had stated that Jamir was “not mandated and authorized” to speak on the Naga political issue, while Raising had said that Jamir was “not an advocate of the Naga people” and had no right to speak about the issue.
Condemning the remarks, the Ao Senden said differences of opinion and divisions among Nagas did not mean that the Naga political issue was the sole domain of any individual, group or faction.
It further stated that any Naga citizen with an understanding of the Naga political situation could comment and contribute views towards taking the political process forward.
The Ao Senden has asked Atem and Raising to retract their statements within 15 days, warning that it would otherwise “take our own course of action.”
The statement was signed by Ao Senden president Marsanen Imsong and general secretary Imtipokyim.