Dimapur, July 21 (MExN): The Zeliang Officers’ Association Nagaland (ZOAN) has expressed deep hurt and dismay over the press statement of the Ao Senso Telongjem Dimapur (ASTD) which appeared in the local media on July 20.
The ZOAN in a press release quoted the ASTD President’s assertion that “anybody was acceptable as Chief Minister but not TR Zeliang,” and argued that the statement sounded politically motivated “which is not expected from a responsible organisation like ASTD.”
Pointing out that the Chief Minister of a state is elected by the members of the legislative assembly, the ZOAN insisted that TR Zeliang had returned as Chief Minister “after fulfilling all the democratic norms through the overwhelming support of the MLAs.”
Further stating that there is no history of “sore relationship” between the Aos and the Zeliangs since time immemorial, the ZOAN however, cautioned that statements such as the one given by the ASTD President could “provoke and incite” the sentiments of peace loving people.
In this regard, the ZOAN advised the ASTD to refrain from making provocative statements which could damage the cordial relationship that the Aos and the Zeliangs share.
