Mokokchung, September 22 (MExN): The Watsü Mungdang today stated that the Naga political issue fundamentally belongs to every Naga by birth and that it would stand by it, as its predecessors had sacrificed for the Nagas.
Reacting to recent public discourse surrounding the statement of Dr SC Jamir, former Chief Minister of Nagaland, former Governor and recipient of Padma Bhusan, the Watsü Mungdang reaffirmed the ‘right to speak’ as the “foundational truth of our collective existence.”
Every Naga individual, irrespective of political affiliation, organisation, profession and position, has the right to express his or her views on matters concerning the Naga people and their future, asserted the apex women’s organisation of the Ao community, adding that no individual or organisation can claim exclusive ownership over the right to discuss the issue.
It further noted that differences of opinion are natural in democratic discourse and should be addressed through dialogue and reasoned discussion, but expressed shock over reported statements of NSCN (IM) Ato Kilonser and Member of the Collective Leadership, Lt Gen (Retd.) VS Atem, Deputy Ato Kilonser and Special Emissary to the Collective Leadership, RH Raising.
As per the Watsü Mungdang, the duo questioned an “individual right to speak” and condemned the action.
It further censured MLA Achumbemo Kikon’s statement on Jamir, terming it a ‘humiliation’ of someone who continues to work tirelessly for the Nagas.
The Watsü Mungdang urged every Naga individual, irrespective of political affiliation, background or ideology, to exercise their legitimate right to contribute their thoughts to the public discourse without fear of intimidation or delegitimisation, it reiterated.
