UKHRUL: The Ao Senden has accepted the retraction issued by two NSCN-IM leaders over their statements against former Nagaland chief minister Dr S.C. Jamir, saying the remarks had been retracted after a deliberation between the two sides.
In a press release issued on October 7, the Ao Senden said it had received a formal retract declaration signed by Lt Gen V.S. Atem, VC, AEM (Retd), deputy ato kilonser, NSCN/GPRN, and Rh. Raising, NC, special emissary to the collective leadership, NSCN/GPRN.
The retraction relates to statements made against Jamir on September 16. According to the Ao Senden, the two leaders stated that their comments were never intended to hurt the sentiments of the Ao Senden.
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The Ao Senden said the development followed a deliberation held on October 3 between the Ao Senden and a delegation appointed by the NSCN-IM, during which the delegation expressed regret.
However, the Ao Senden said it made it “unequivocally clear” that the statements against Jamir had to be retracted by the individual leaders who had made them.
The Ao Senden also called on Naga leaders to uphold discipline, fortitude, humility and wisdom, and appealed to all concerned to move forward in the spirit of unity and mutual respect.
It further maintained that no individual or group has the right to deny any Naga citizen their legitimate voice in Naga affairs.
The Ao Senden said it would remain vigilant and reserved the right to undertake appropriate action if the need arises, while calling for any “infraction” against a Naga citizen to be avoided in the interest of the Nagas.
