Mokokchung | June 30 : It has come to light that the ‘bandh’ called by the apex Ao Senden in Mokokchung district today was an observance of ‘Amungkhu’, an untranslatable Ao Naga term which can be roughly explained as an intense observance of a profound anguish observed in sacred solemnity. Traditionally, the village gates remain closed during days of Amungkhu whereby entry to and exit from the village is forbidden.
Amungkhu called by Ao Senden today, from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm, was observed in the entire Ao country and ‘gates’ remained closed as all major roads in Mokokchung district were manned by Ao Senden volunteers. Every Ao village closed their gates while all towns remained deserted as the whole Ao community observed Amungkhu under the supervision of the respective village and town authorities as called upon by the Ao Senden.
Lendinokdang, President of Ao Senden while addressing media persons today at his office chamber explained that Amungkhu is “an observance showing deep anguish and at the same time calling all the people to task, the task being quest for justice.” He also explained that Amungkhu is a sacrosanct observance in the Ao Naga belief system.
He stated that this Amungkhu was avoidable had the state government and the NSCN/GPRN (Isak and Muivah) fulfilled the wish of Ao community. He further said that, a word hinted towards the NSCN/GPRN, if the wish of the Ao people is not fulfilled by way of handing over the culprits to the police, then the whole Ao community as provided by their culture will meet to decide on the next course of action.
On being asked by this correspondent if there is a possibility for the Ao community to decide on severing all ties with the NSCN/GPRN as part of their next course of action, that is if their wish is not fulfilled, Watsü Mungdang Kohima Unit president, Dr. Watila, who was also present at the press conference, clarified that they have not yet decided on what the “next course of action” would be.
However, Ao Senden president added that it will be “very unfortunate” if the situation comes to the point wherein the question posed by this correspondent happens to be effected. The Watsü leader from Kohima also supplemented that “more serious actions” will be taken into course.
Ao Senden president also made it clear that they have “marked the words of Mr. Muivah” who is reported to have assured the Joint Action Committee (JAC) of Ao Senden in New Delhi, June 28, that the matter will be given priority and that an appropriate response will be made as soon as possible. It may be mentioned that the JAC during their meeting with the ‘collective leadership’ had submitted a memorandum, spelling a deadline of 6 days from the date of receipt of the memorandum to turn in the culprits.
Ao Senden president also made it a point to say that the solemn observance of today’s Amungkhu was proof enough the community longs for justice. He also sought support from all Naga communities on this matter in the best interest of the Nagas as a whole.
Ao Senden leaders and JAC members present at the press meet expressed gratitude to all the people from near and far, the village elders, town councilors as well as non-Aos for their cooperation in the observance of the Amungkhu. Dr. Watila, Kohima Watsü Mungdang leader also thanked all Naga women, tribal bodies, Naga Mothers Association, Eastern Naga Women Organization and the local media houses for rendering support in this cause “from day one.”
Meanwhile, Joint Action Committee of the Ao Senden while explaining the reasons behind calling this dawn to dusk ‘Amungkhu’ gave four pointers; Firstly, it marks Ao Senden’s condemnation of the May 27, 2011 assassination bid on the life of M.Imtila Jamir, retired Registrar of Cooperative Societies. Secondly, explaining that “there is no justification whatsoever behind the commission of this offence,” today’s Amungkhu was observed to send the message that the attempted murder on the life of an innocent and respected citizen shall not be tolerated.
Thirdly, it was also called to express Ao Senden’s displeasure at the state government’s failure to arrest the main culprit, Worshim Tangkhul and his accomplice, Ngalengshang Chohangnao, who are admittedly members of the NSCN/GPRN, and all other persons involved in committing the crime even after the lapse of one month. And, to quote the fourth reason behind calling this Amungkhu, “We observe with deep concern that the NSCN (IM) who strives for the future of our people has become the harbourers of criminals.”
These reasons were stated in a press release appended by Impa Longkumer, Convener of the Joint Action Committee, Ao Senden.
Amungkhu called by Ao Senden today, from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm, was observed in the entire Ao country and ‘gates’ remained closed as all major roads in Mokokchung district were manned by Ao Senden volunteers. Every Ao village closed their gates while all towns remained deserted as the whole Ao community observed Amungkhu under the supervision of the respective village and town authorities as called upon by the Ao Senden.
Lendinokdang, President of Ao Senden while addressing media persons today at his office chamber explained that Amungkhu is “an observance showing deep anguish and at the same time calling all the people to task, the task being quest for justice.” He also explained that Amungkhu is a sacrosanct observance in the Ao Naga belief system.
He stated that this Amungkhu was avoidable had the state government and the NSCN/GPRN (Isak and Muivah) fulfilled the wish of Ao community. He further said that, a word hinted towards the NSCN/GPRN, if the wish of the Ao people is not fulfilled by way of handing over the culprits to the police, then the whole Ao community as provided by their culture will meet to decide on the next course of action.
On being asked by this correspondent if there is a possibility for the Ao community to decide on severing all ties with the NSCN/GPRN as part of their next course of action, that is if their wish is not fulfilled, Watsü Mungdang Kohima Unit president, Dr. Watila, who was also present at the press conference, clarified that they have not yet decided on what the “next course of action” would be.
However, Ao Senden president added that it will be “very unfortunate” if the situation comes to the point wherein the question posed by this correspondent happens to be effected. The Watsü leader from Kohima also supplemented that “more serious actions” will be taken into course.
Ao Senden president also made it clear that they have “marked the words of Mr. Muivah” who is reported to have assured the Joint Action Committee (JAC) of Ao Senden in New Delhi, June 28, that the matter will be given priority and that an appropriate response will be made as soon as possible. It may be mentioned that the JAC during their meeting with the ‘collective leadership’ had submitted a memorandum, spelling a deadline of 6 days from the date of receipt of the memorandum to turn in the culprits.
Ao Senden president also made it a point to say that the solemn observance of today’s Amungkhu was proof enough the community longs for justice. He also sought support from all Naga communities on this matter in the best interest of the Nagas as a whole.
Ao Senden leaders and JAC members present at the press meet expressed gratitude to all the people from near and far, the village elders, town councilors as well as non-Aos for their cooperation in the observance of the Amungkhu. Dr. Watila, Kohima Watsü Mungdang leader also thanked all Naga women, tribal bodies, Naga Mothers Association, Eastern Naga Women Organization and the local media houses for rendering support in this cause “from day one.”
Meanwhile, Joint Action Committee of the Ao Senden while explaining the reasons behind calling this dawn to dusk ‘Amungkhu’ gave four pointers; Firstly, it marks Ao Senden’s condemnation of the May 27, 2011 assassination bid on the life of M.Imtila Jamir, retired Registrar of Cooperative Societies. Secondly, explaining that “there is no justification whatsoever behind the commission of this offence,” today’s Amungkhu was observed to send the message that the attempted murder on the life of an innocent and respected citizen shall not be tolerated.
Thirdly, it was also called to express Ao Senden’s displeasure at the state government’s failure to arrest the main culprit, Worshim Tangkhul and his accomplice, Ngalengshang Chohangnao, who are admittedly members of the NSCN/GPRN, and all other persons involved in committing the crime even after the lapse of one month. And, to quote the fourth reason behind calling this Amungkhu, “We observe with deep concern that the NSCN (IM) who strives for the future of our people has become the harbourers of criminals.”
These reasons were stated in a press release appended by Impa Longkumer, Convener of the Joint Action Committee, Ao Senden.
