Mokokchung, June 28 (MExN): NSCN/GPRN General Secretary Th. Muivah today urged the Ao people to understand the ‘reality of the situation’ and to play their role in saving the ‘historical rights’ of the Naga people. He categorically asked the Ao community ‘what they are saying now’ about the Naga issue at this juncture.
Speaking at a civic reception in the town’s hall upon his arrival in Mokokchung town, Th Muivah, while talking about the role of the Ao in the Naga political struggle, acknowledged that the Ao were the first to convert to Christianity. He said that the Ao were the ones who gave education – political education – to other Naga tribes. He also reminded that there were a lot of ‘sensible’ educated Ao people who played a decisive role in the Naga “freedom struggle.”
However he expressed strong doubt over what the Ao people will say in days to come with regard to the Naga issue. “Are you prepared, Ao people, I doubt,” said Muivah, “If you fail it will affect the course of the history.” He said that a lot of people are looking up to the Ao people with respect, as they were the ones who gave the ‘political education’ to the Naga people in the yesteryears. He mentioned about the ‘people of Mon and Tuensang looking up to the Ao people for guidance and their stand on the Naga issue.’
‘What will you say? What decision and guidance you give. So many people have faith in you, what will you say?’ said Muivah who spoke fluently in Nagamese and English. Reminding the Ao people that if they fail then they would be failing all, Muivah asked, “What do you (Ao people) say now?”
He said that if the Ao people can give the ‘right message’ to the people, it would be doing a ‘wonderful thing’. “Don’t miss and don’t fail, because it will cost us too much,” he said. Claiming that the NSCN/GPRN ‘trusts’ the Ao people, Muivah said “we” trusting would not be a “kaldi” (‘mistake’). He further challenged the Ao people that the role they will be playing will have a “big historical significance now.” They have to prove themselves now, he added.
