Dimapur, September 23 (MExN): The Ao Students' Conference (AKM) has asserted that ongoing public discourse surrounding Dr SC Jamir should be approached strictly through democratic dialogue and public debate.
In a press release issued on September 23, signed by AKM President Lanulemba Longchar and General Secretary Aomayang Longkumer, the student body noted that while Dr Jamir has expressed his views on the Naga political issue, those views remain open to questioning, disagreement, and scrutiny. However, the conference emphasized that questioning his perspectives should not be equated with challenging his fundamental right to speak.
Stating that every Naga citizen possesses the freedom to express opinions on the Naga political issue, the AKM maintained that everyone equally holds the right to question, challenge, and seek clarification on those opinions. "No individual or organization should claim exclusive ownership of the right to discuss the political future of the Naga people," the statement read.
Addressing historical or factual discrepancies, the student organization stated that if any individual's statement is deemed incorrect, the concerned parties should present factual records and well-reasoned arguments to the public. It underscored that the proper answer to a disputed political view is another reasoned perspective rather than any attempt to silence the speaker.
Reiterating that the Naga political issue concerns every member of society, the AKM called for differences of opinion to be handled through dialogue, mutual respect, and debate rather than intimidation, condemnation, or attempts at ownership.
