Dimapur, May 9 (EMN): The Naga Scholars’ Association has expressed deep concern over the decision of the Ao Senden to excommunicate the president of Naga Hoho, P Chuba Ozukum.
The association issued a press release stating: “We are deeply concerned with the decision of the Ao Senden’s ex-communication of P Chuba Ozukum from the Ao community on 10th April 2017 for failing to comply with the stricture of the Senden issued upon Mr P Chuba Ozukum on 4th November 2016 to step down from the position of the president of the Naga Hoho, and to relinquish the rights to represent Ao community in any platform.”
While stating that the Ao Senden might have taken the decision to safeguard the interest of the Ao community, the NSA felt that ‘such ordeal does not fare well with the ideals of building progressive Naga society.’“The decision will leave only damaging precedent in justice system of Naga society. The culture of ex-communication, although, practiced in erstwhile Naga traditions by many Naga tribes, is no longer a plausible act within the present civic democratic system. Politically, no authority can strip the inherent rights and identity of an individual.
“Therefore, Nagas should desist from adopting such deplorable action as such course of action will only lead to stagnation and ruination of Naga society. NSA, therefore, urges the Ao Senden leadership to reconsider the decision and settle the issue amicably through dialogue. Naga society ought to move forward with the culture of matured decision making based on tolerance and understanding”, it stated.