CNTC deplores remarks targeting Jamir

DIMAPUR, SEP 22 (NPN): Central Nagaland Tribes Council (CNTC) has expressed regret over recent public remarks by NSCN (I-M) deputy ato kilonser ‘lt. gen.’ (Retd.) V.S. Atem and member of Collective Leadership and special emissary to the Collective Leadership Rh Raising concerning former Nagaland chief minister and senior statesman Dr. S.C. Jamir.
In a statement issued through its media cell, CNTC said differing perspectives and robust debate were natural and healthy in political discourse. However, it observed that certain remarks directed at Dr. Jamir had gone beyond the bounds of constructive engagement.
The council said questioning the standing or right of a senior Naga leader with long public service to express his views on matters of common concern risked introducing an unhelpful and divisive element into an already complex situation.
CNTC stated that the Naga political journey was a shared inheritance of the Naga people as a whole. It said Dr. Jamir, as a living participant in the modern history of the Nagas and a respected elder, retained every right as a Naga to offer his reflections on the political future of the people.
The council said attempts to measure or diminish the legitimacy of any Naga’s contribution based on perceived political alignment would only deepen mistrust at a time when unity and mutual respect were most needed.
Referring to Naga customary values, CNTC said respect for elders and dialogue grounded in reason and historical understanding had long been accorded importance. It maintained that political differences, however strongly held, should not override these principles of dignity and civility.
The council said the people of Nagaland continued to yearn for a lasting, honourable and inclusive resolution to the long-pending political issue.
In this context, CNTC appealed to all Naga political groups, civil society organisations and public figures to exercise restraint, uphold mutual respect and prioritise consensus-building over airing personal differences.
It said only through such an approach could the Nagas collectively move towards the peace and political settlement that the people desired.