EMN
DIMAPUR, MAY 16
THE apex tribal representative of the Ao Naga have cautioned against making “allegations” or “tarnishing image of prominent citizens.” The organization, the Ao Senden, was referring to what it said was the recent controversy drawing in former chief secretary of Nagaland Alemtemshi Jamir as being a crony to recent events over the transfer of the chief minister’s position in Nagaland.
The Ao Senden issued a press release May 16, Friday. The organization expressed concern that Jamir was “unreasonably drawn into the issue of selecting the next chief minister of Nagaland, as reported in some section of the media.”
“The Ao Senden is disturbed to see the name of Shri. Alemtemshi Jamir IAS being implicated in the current transition of power politics in Nagaland in the media.
It is more disturbing to note that the issue of the ‘Bedrock of Naga Society’ booklet has been brought up in this present chief ministership issue. Here, the Ao Senden puts on record that Alemtemshi Jamir has clarified his position in detail to the collective leaders of NSCN (IM) in the presence of Ao Senden officials on 21st November, 2008 at Hebron Camp. The matter has been amicably solved,” the Ao Senden stated.
The organization said the former state official had been associated with various chief ministers of Nagaland during his long bureaucratic career of over three decades. “He has contributed immensely to the development of Nagaland state and has proved to be sincere and dedicated IAS officer during his long years of government service who worked selflessly under whichever government came to power in the state,” the press release stated.
The tribal organization clarified that, “Many succeeding governments have utilized the expertise of former retired chief secretaries and bureaucrats in different capacities as they have been able to efficiently handle the laid down rules and procedures. This was a practice over the years, which is based purely within the prerogative of the ruling government.” The organization has questioned “why and how the booklet issue has been rejuvenated overnight in connection with the present issue of chief ministership of Nagaland?”
The Ao Senden has asked citizens to exercise restraint from “making such undemocratic allegation” by bringing up issues that had been resolved already.
“While it is true that we live in a democratic country where freedom of press and expression is guaranteed by the constitution of India, it is needless to embroil a responsible retired officer in news that is unjustified and politically motivated,” the Ao Senden stated.
“Any citizen can share and express his/her personal opinion concerning the prevailing situation in the state and elsewhere, however, the Ao Senden strongly feels that every individual or group should be cautious enough not to indulge in tarnishing the image of prominent citizens based on propaganda.”
