The Soyim Students’ Union (SST) has in a press release issued today said that it is extremely bothered by the recent “charges and assertions against Dr. SC Jamir, former chief minister and governor and Padma Bushan awardee, regarding statements made on the Naga political situation.”
The student body said that, Dr. SC Jamir, as the SST’s first general secretary, is a pioneering figure. “He has opened the eyes of not just the Ao Nagas, but also the Nagas in general. He has steered the people toward prosperity and development while serving at the highest levels of government. As such, levelling charges and accusations against someone like him appears irresponsible and idiotic,” SST observed.
Saying that the Indian constitution guarantees freedom of speech and expression to every citizen of India, and Dr. SC Jamir, as a genuine Indian citizen, has the right to express and share his views, it added. “To also assert that Dr. SC Jamir is an old politician and that he should rest and not hinder in the Naga peace talks seem foolish and unreasonable. An eyewitness to a number of significant events in Naga history, the only living individual who has seen the course of the Naga peace struggle, Dr. SC Jamir’s ideas and participation in the Naga peace discussions are vital, whether anyone likes it or not,” SST further said.
SST went on to say that no individual, group or organization has the authority to restrict an individual’s right to free expression. “Whether Dr. SC Jamir is correct or incorrect, his thoughts and opinions are his own. Targeting an individual and publicly tarnishing their reputation is reprehensible,” SST said, and further added, “the Soyim Shisaluyimer Telongjem firmly condemns whoever is attempting to bring Dr. SC Jamir’s image down and affirms that if he is threatened or harmed, the SST will not remain silent.”