The Ungma Senso Mongdang has backed the Ao Senden’s 15-day ultimatum to NSCN(IM) leaders VS Atem and RH Raising over their remarks concerning former Nagaland Chief Minister Dr SC Jamir.
In a statement issued on September 24, the apex organisation of Ungma village said it rejected the remarks attributed to Atem and Raising, who questioned Jamir’s mandate and right to speak on the Naga political issue.
The Senso said the Naga political issue could not be treated as the private domain of any individual, organisation or faction and asserted that Naga citizens had the right to express their views on the issue.
It also objected to what it described as attempts by “non-Nagaland elements” to dictate the political affairs of Nagaland, while defending Jamir’s standing as a former chief minister and public figure who has been involved in the State’s political affairs for decades.
The organisation further said the people of Ungma would not “cooperate, engage or honour” the leadership of any organisation, group, faction or formation associated with Atem and Raising.
It also warned against attempts to undermine or intimidate Naga leaders from Nagaland and called on Naga organisations and citizens to remain united.
The statement comes a day after the Ao Senden demanded that Atem and Raising retract their remarks within 15 days, warning that failure to do so would prompt the apex Ao body to take its “own course of action.”
The Ungma Senso Mongdang said it stood firmly in solidarity with the Ao Senden’s September 23 statement and appreciated other civil society organisations for expressing solidarity.
The statement also criticised Nagaland MLA Achumbemo Kikon, saying he should not “trade the birth right” of a Nagaland citizen for political mileage.
The controversy followed remarks attributed to Atem and Raising on September 16 concerning Jamir’s comments on the Naga political issue. The remarks have since drawn responses from several organisations in Nagaland.