Mokokchung, 7th October 2026 (Nokinketer News): The NSCN (IM) has expressed regret if its recent statement on former Nagaland Chief Minister Dr. S.C. Jamir hurt the sentiments of the Ao Senden and the Ao community, while clarifying that it never intended to restrict his right to express views on Naga political issues.
In a clarification signed by Lt. Gen. V.S. Atem, VC, AEM (Retd), Deputy Ato Kilonser, GPRN, and R.H. Raising, NC, Special Emissary to the Collective Leadership, NSCN, the group said it recognised the right of every individual in a democratic society to express views, whether or not others agreed with them.
The NSCN (IM), however, maintained that its fundamental political differences with Dr. S.C Jamir on the Naga issue remained. It said Dr. Jamir had pursued his political career within the constitutional framework of India, while the Naga national movement had followed a different political path.
“If our statement has hurt the sentiments of the Ao Senden and Ao Community as a whole, we sincerely regret it,” the statement said.
The group also said it was not averse to constructive criticism and maintained that it stood for the rights of the Naga people, asserting that the voice of the people was “sacred” to it.
The clarification follows reactions to the NSCN (IM)’s earlier remarks concerning Dr. Jamir, which had drawn concern within the Ao community.
The controversy followed former Nagaland Chief Minister Dr. S.C. Jamir’s September 10 meeting with RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat in New Delhi, after which he spoke on the prolonged Naga political impasse. Jamir called for an early settlement, urged the Government of India to act, and proposed a “total overhaul” of Nagaland’s governance, including President’s Rule for one or two years. His constitutional approach differs fundamentally from the sovereignty-oriented position of the Naga national movement.
Against this backdrop, NSCN (IM) leaders V.S. Atem and R.H. Raising questioned Jamir’s authority to speak on the Naga political issue. Atem questioned whether Jamir was “mandated” or “authorised” to speak on the matter, while Raising said he was “not an advocate of the Naga people” and had no right to speak on the issue. The remarks drew objections from the Ao Senden, which asserted that the Naga political issue cannot be the exclusive domain of any individual or organisation. It subsequently gave the two leaders 15 days to retract their remarks.
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