Advisor for Information & Public Relations and Soil & Water Conservation, Imkong L Imchen, speaking at the biennial general conference of the Kohima Ongpangkong Telongjem at Molu Ki, Kohima, on 9 November 2024, stated that it was time for the Aos to be bold and stand firm on the truth.
He said that the current political scenario required the Ao people to step forward and actively engage in resolving issues, alongside the rest of the tribes of Nagaland, and that it was no longer the time to remain timid or silent spectators. He further urged the people of the Ongpangkong Range to recognize their senior status, based on history, among the Aos and act as mentors and guardians to the rest of the Ao community.
Imchen also expressed his deep respect and admiration for Dr SC Jamir, former Chief Minister of Nagaland, who, over the years, had boldly stood for the truth and fearlessly voiced his opinions for the greater good of the Naga people.
Advocate Tongpok Pongener, the speaker of the program, addressed the topic “The Role and Responsibility of a Microcosm for Community Upliftment.” He highlighted that the fundamental unit of society is the family, and it is the responsibility of every family to raise good, productive members who can contribute to the growth and development of the community as a whole.
He underlined the importance of a positive social environment within the family, which he believed was vital for the well-rounded development of an individual and determined their contribution to the community. He further stated that good leaders can only emerge from a cohesive society, not a fragmented one. Therefore, he stressed the need to abandon divisive policies and focus on unity and values such as honesty and tolerance, as practiced by our ancestors.
Outgoing President of the Kohima Ongpangkong Telongjem, Alemkumzuk, thanked his colleagues for the successful completion of their two-year tenure and stated that it was a privilege and honor to serve the people of Ongpangkong. He also made a clarion call to all the Aos to strive for greater heights and eliminate malpractices in the political process to ensure that good, honest, and capable leaders emerge from the Ao community.
The biennial general conference of the Kohima Ongpangkong Telongjem was attended by members from all the villages under the Ongpangkong Range in Mokokchung. Various agendas were discussed in detail at the conference. A new team of office bearers, led by President Kilangchuba, was also elected for the term 2025–2026.