‘Kohima belongs to every Naga soul’

Dimapur, July 21 (MExN): An irked Ao Students’ Conference (AKM) has also come out denouncing ‘the outrageous action’ of Angami Public Organization (APO) “volunteers” for going so far as to manhandle student activists during the July 10 bandh in Kohima. The AKM also reminded that Kohima town is the capital of Nagaland and naturally, it belongs to all the Nagas. For this reason, the question of “approval” for public activism does not arise at all, the apex Ao students’ organization said in a statement today.

Earlier, the APO had censured the Naga Students’ Federation’s bandh for what explained to be “lack of respect to the authority of APO” and that the federation did not “consult and seek the prior permission from the APO.” The APO had also issued a statement prohibiting any demonstration of public activism ‘without its consent’ or ‘approval.’

In its statement the AKM condemned “the outrageous action of Angami Public Organization (APO) volunteers during the July 10 bandh called by NSF, where many innocent NSF volunteers were threatened and manhandled by the so called APO volunteers.” The AKM expressed respect for “the standing resolution of APO.” Still, the AKM reminded, such resolutions should not subdue apex Naga social organizations like the NSF, Naga Hoho or the NMA. 

“The denizens of Kohima should understand that Kohima is the capital of Nagaland. As such, it belongs to every Naga soul. Therefore, taking prior approval of Angami Public Organization to hold a peaceful bandh by NSF or such apex organization does not arise at all,” an apparently irked AKM reminded. The organization further stated that the Nagas should understand that the July 10 bandh was for a noble cause, concerning the future generation of the Nagas as a whole. 

“Therefore such unwanted and shameful acts, detrimental to the vexed Naga society must be avoided in future,” AKM said. It has also reaffirmed its commitment to extend its fullest support and cooperation to the NSF in the fight against “NPSC menace” till “the culprits” are brought to justice.