Dr S C Jamir addresses the gathering during the fourth general meeting of the Kohima Ao Pensioner Telungjem at the KABA Jubilee Memorial Centre in Kohima on July 24.
Kohima, July 26 (MExN): Former Nagaland chief minister and former governor of Goa, Maharashtra, Gujarat and Odisha, Dr S C Jamir, on July 24 called upon Ao pensioners to use their experience and wisdom to fight corruption and promote good governance and clean elections in the state.
Addressing the fourth general meeting of the Kohima Ao Pensioner Telungjem (Kohima Ao Pensioners' Union) at the KABA Jubilee Memorial Centre, Jamir said the Nagas had been protected through the decades and that the arrival of Christianity through the American Baptist Mission in Ao areas marked a turning point in the state's history.
He said the Aos became the first among the Nagas to spread Christianity across the state and also pioneered the introduction of modern education in Ao-inhabited areas.
Referring to the post-Second World War political developments, Jamir said the Naga political movement, which had witnessed divisions, was brought together under the leadership of Dr Imkongliba Ao through the formation of the Naga People's Convention.
He described the Aos as pioneers among the Nagas in the fields of education, politics and the spread of Christianity.
Speaking on the Naga political issue, Jamir said challenges such as the demand for integration of Naga-inhabited areas, corruption, tribalism, factionalism and insurgency had adversely affected the state's image.
He urged Ao pensioners to contribute towards eliminating corruption and bringing positive changes in governance, development and the electoral process.
The former chief minister said retired officials could share the knowledge and experience gained during their years of service through churches and other social and public platforms.
Retired IAS officer E T Sunep, in his exhortation, said pensioners possessed a wealth of knowledge acquired through years of service and experience. He encouraged them to lead lives of integrity, positively influence society and remain ambassadors of Christian values.
During the programme, Vice-President of the Kohima Ao Pensioner Telungjem, L Chubalepzuk, led a minute's silence in memory of departed members. The welcome address was delivered by the union's president, Dr L Temsu Jamir, while secretary N Wati Atsongchanger proposed the vote of thanks.
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