Dimapur, July 8 (MExN): The Ao Senso Telongjem Dimapur (ASTD) has taken exception at the letter purportedly issued by the Naga Council Dimapur (NCD) on July 3, and said the NCD had ‘maliciously dictated’ the ASTD to revoke a letter issued to incumbent NCD President, T Bangerloba Ao.
In this regard, the ASTD issued a press release on July 8 stating that the NCD’s letter was ‘unfounded’ as Bangerloba, being a bonafide member of Ao community in Dimapur, is within the ambit of the community’s social and customary parameter as far as social obligations and responsibilities are concerned.
The ASTD stated that, initially it had called a meeting with him and the presidents of all six ranges from the community, to which the former did not comply ‘without any tangible reason.’
Further, it said that he was informed of a decision taken during a June 22 meeting with ASTD executives and all civil societies of Ao community based in Dimapur, wherein he was directed to settle the present NCD issue within a stipulated time. This, it said was again not complied with.
The ASTD, thereafter, held an emergency meeting on June 29, where the house resolved and issued a letter "non-cooperation’ to him "on his personal capacity only but not as President of NCD.” As such, it contended that the letter served upon him is validated as far as Ao traditonal customary practice and usage are concerned.
