OKM, SST, CNTC condemn defamatory Facebook post

The Ongpangkong Students’ Conference (OKM) has strongly condemned the recent defamatory post targeting Dr SC Jamir, which was published by the Facebook page “The Patriotic Nagas.” The defamatory post, according to OKM, is not only an attack on Dr Jamir’s character but also an insult to the entire Ao Naga community.

Following a directive from the Ao Senden, the apex body of the Ao Naga community, the OKM has demanded ‘The Patriotic Nagas’ to immediately “reveal the identity of those responsible for this post, as it has brought grave dishonor to our Ao community”. The OKM further promised to take all necessary measures to ensure justice for the defamation of Dr Jamir’s reputation and legacy.

The OKM reaffirmed its full support for the Ao Senden’s statement and vowed to remain vigilant in pursuing justice. “This office reaffirms its full support of the statement and directive issued by the Ao Senden, and will remain vigilant and responsive to any developments in this matter,” it added.

In a similar response, the Office of the Soyim Shisaluyimer Telongjem (SST) also expressed strong disapproval of the statement on Dr Jamir posted by “The Patriotic Nagas.” The SST, which proudly claims Dr Jamir as one of its founding members, criticized the group for their lack of accuracy. “While we are confident about the identity of our tall leader Dr. S.C. Jamir, we hereby proclaim that nothing of your recommendation is necessary to know about him,” the SST declared, emphasizing Dr Jamir’s role as the first General Secretary of the union.

The SST further rebuked “The Patriotic Nagas” for their misinformed claims, urging them to “keep your facts and figures correct” and condemned the allegations as “uncalled for.” The statement expressed confidence in the accuracy of the union’s historical record, declaring, “We are very poised about the Nagas, Nagaland or be it Nagalim.”

Asserting that malicious attempts to damage the character of Dr Jamir are “unjustifiable and unwarranted,” the SST demanded that the admin of “The Patriotic Nagas” reveal the identity of the individual responsible for the post, stating, “the Office of this union has resolved not to leave any stone unturned until justice is served”.

The SST asserted that the group admin and the entire “The Patriotic Nagas” community would be held accountable if they failed to disclose the identity of the post’s author.

“Failure on the part of The Patriotic Nagas to confess the identity of the genesis of this slanderous post, the admin and the entire Group shall be held duly responsible for any untoward events and any other exigencies,” the SST declared. “This statement is a pressing matter and we shall not rest until due justice is delivered to the life and legacy of Dr SC Jamir.”

The Central Nagaland Tribes Council (CNTC) also strongly condemned the recent actions and statements made by the “Patriotic Nagas” which, according to CNTC, attempted to challenge and belittle the genealogical roots of one of Nagaland’s most respected leaders, former Chief Minister and Governor.

In a statement issued, the CNTC termed these actions as deeply offensive and baseless.

“These statements have not only attacked a revered leader but have also insulted our women, amounting to a clear case of character assassination. Such words and actions are not only divisive but represent a dangerous and malicious intent to sow discord within our community,” it stated.

The CNTC expressed full support for the Ao Senden and Watsü Mungdang in their strong response to the issue, recognizing the seriousness of the matter. “These words and actions are not just hurtful but are indicative of an evil agenda designed to destabilize and degrade the unity and dignity of our people,” it added.

In a call for solidarity, the CNTC urged all Naga communities to reject harmful and divisive rhetoric and to stand united in preserving the honor and respect of our leaders and people.

MT