The Coordination and Organizing Committee with dignitaries from Ao Senden, ABAM, Watsü Mungdang, AKM, Ao Riju and other invitees during the Ao Officers’ Telongjem meeting held on September 13 at Town Hall, Mokokchung.
Morung Express News
Mokokchung | September 13
In what leaders described as a “red-letter day” for the community, the first-ever Ao Officers’ Telungjem Senden was held on September 13, at the Town Hall, Mokokchung, under the theme “Kü Lima, Kü Khu” (My Land, My Duty).
The unprecedented gathering was jointly organized by the Kohima Ao Officertem Telongjem (KAOT), Mokokchung Ao Officers Telongjem (MAOT) and Dimapur Zone Ao Officers Telongjem (DZAOT). Around 700 delegates, officers serving both within and outside Nagaland participants.
Speaking on behalf of the Ao legislators, Sharingain Longkümer, Speaker of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly, described the event as a historic milestone and a long-cherished dream finally realized. Interpreting the theme, he said “Kü Lima, Kü Khu” could be translated as “My Country, My Duty” and reminded the gathering that duty is both a moral and legal responsibility.
He reflected on the fire and vision of the forefathers, who served not only their own tribe but all Nagas with unwavering principles. “It is because of these values that our people were honored as pioneers,” he said. Stressing the need to move beyond “petty narratives” of the past, he called on the officers to “scribe a new book—a narrative of hope, resilience, and resurgence.”
Longkümer also tied the gathering to the larger national vision of Vikshit Bharat 2047, urging the officers to envision a Vikshit Mokokchung 2047 within the next 22 years. He further emphasized the importance of an accurate census, stating, “Let the truth prevail.”
Earlier, in his opening remarks, Limasunep Jamir, IPS, Special Secretary (Home) and president of KAOT, traced the genesis of the initiative back to December 2023, when KAOT, MAOT, and DZAOT first met in Kohima. Later discussions with Ao Senden, he said, led to the vision of organizing a joint officers’ conference, which was assured full support by the apex Ao body.
He emphasized that the gathering was not a showcase of wealth or power, but a platform “to collaborate, cooperate, encourage each other, and bring unity.” Jamir stated that the Senden was envisioned as a foundation for leaving behind a strong structure for the younger generation.
‘Privilege comes with responsibility’
Delivering words of encouragement, Chief Secretary Sentiyanger Imchen stressed that without unity there can be no progress. He clarified that this unity was not about creating enmity or grabbing from others, but about using privilege responsibly.
“As officers, we are the most privileged lot with secure jobs, medical coverage, and opportunities. But that privilege carries responsibility,” he said. Citing the Ao community’s role as pioneers in many fields, he urged officers to use their knowledge and experiences for the betterment of society.
He reminded the gathering of the pressing social, economic, and political challenges facing Nagaland and asked officers to be “torchbearers” in showing the way forward. “It is very easy to form a union,” he cautioned, “but this union must be one that truly delivers.”
He called on civil societies, legislators, and the public to support the officers’ union and challenged its leaders to live up to the expectations placed upon them.
‘A new sunrise for the Ao people’
Delivering the exhortation, Ao Senden President Marsanen Imsong described the day as “a new sunrise for the Ao people” and one that could become a blessing for all Nagas. He noted that the Ao community has around 1,400 gazetted officers across and beyond Nagaland—calling it one of the community’s greatest blessings and sources of hope.
Marsanen urged the officers to take their responsibilities seriously, stressing that higher positions are not meant for ease but for greater responsibility entrusted by God. He also drew attention to the plight of Mokokchung district, pointing to delays and poor quality in government projects. “Unless civil societies raise their voices or protest, projects are left incomplete,” he said, citing the state of educational institutions and health facilities. He urged the officers to ensure timely, quality implementation so that people do not suffer due to shortages of teachers, doctors, or nurses.
‘My Land, My Duty’
As the main speaker on the theme, Dr. Sentitula, IFS, Divisional Forest Officer Mokokchung, outlined five principles for officers as a roadmap: to belong, to lead, to preserve oral history, to witness, and to transcend. She reminded the gathering that land is not just geography but also sacrifice and legacy, and that preserving oral history is essential to safeguarding cultural identity.
She emphasized living exemplary lives rooted in Christian identity and cultural values, and encouraged officers to transcend by rising above imitation and leading with integrity. Proposing roadmaps for development, she highlighted initiatives such as creating a global centre of excellence, fostering portable wealth, promoting digital platforms, organising TED-style talks, leadership summits, and establishing community-led business start-ups with at least two members from every village.
Speeches and words of encouragement also came from officers and leaders including Asangba Chuba Ao, IAS, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Civil Aviation, Government of India; Asangla Imti, IAS, Secretary, Government of Nagaland; and Tianaro Jamir, President, Watsü Mungdang
The meeting also formalized the office bearers of the Ao Officers’ Telungjem, with the KAOT president serving as president, MAOT and DZAOT presidents as vice-presidents, and secretarial and finance responsibilities shared among the three units.
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