Retired government servants of the Ao community residing in Kohima have formed a union to be called Kohima Ao Pensioners Union (Telongjem). This was decided at a meeting of the pensioners on 27th May at the residence of Er. Lanuaküm, retired Additional Chief Engineer, Mechanical, in Lower Chandmari, Kohima on Saturday.
All the former government officials present at the meeting felt that such a forum is necessary to help each other in times of need and to foster a close-knit fellowship of senior citizens. It was also expressed that such an organisation of experienced and learned citizens can extend assistance to the church and society and even needy individuals besides carrying out welfare works for the members.
The meeting entrusted the newly installed office bearers to nominate the members of the Executive Committee and Finance Committee. The office was further authorised to enroll all willing Ao pensioners in Kohima and to collect an amount of Rs. 500 (five hundred) from them as a registration fee.
The office bearers were also entrusted to draft a constitution/guidelines for the union and to organize a general meeting at the earliest possible.