Dimapur, September 22 (MExN): The Central Nagaland Tribes Council (CNTC) has expressed “deep regret” over what it termed recent public remarks concerning Dr SC Jamir, reportedly made by NSCN (IM) Deputy Ato Kilonser and Member of the Collective Leadership Lt Gen (Retd.) VS Atem and Special Emissary to the Collective Leadership RH Raising.
While differing perspectives and robust debate are natural and even healthy in any political discourse, the CNTC said it was constrained to note that certain observations directed at the senior statesman have gone beyond the bounds of constructive engagement.
Questioning the standing or right of a senior Naga leader of long public service to express his views on matters of common concern risks introducing an unhelpful and divisive element into an already complex situation, it added.
As per the CNTC, the Naga political journey is a shared inheritance of the Naga people as a whole, and Jamir, who is a former Chief Minister of Nagaland and Governor of many states, is a living participant in the modern history of the Nagas and retains every right, as a Naga, to offer his considered reflections on the political future of the people.
Attempts to measure or diminish the legitimacy of any Naga’s contribution on the basis of perceived alignment serve only to deepen mistrust at a time when unity and mutual respect are most needed, it said.
The Council further pointed out that Naga customary values have long placed a premium on respect for elders and on dialogue grounded in reason and historical understanding.
Political differences, however strongly held, ought not to override these foundational principles of dignity and civility, it held.
In this spirit, the people of Nagaland continue to yearn for a lasting, honourable and inclusive resolution to the long-pending political issue, the CNTC appealed to all Naga political groups, civil society organisations and public figures to exercise restraint, uphold mutual respect, and prioritise the building of consensus over the airing of personal differences.
“Only through such an approach can we hope to move collectively towards the peace and political settlement that our people so deeply desire,” it added.
