For the first time, Ao Naga officers from Mokokchung, Kohima, Dimapur and several other districts and beyond gathered to form the Ao Officers’ Telungjem (AOT). The inaugural meeting was held on September 13 at the Town Hall in Mokokchung, considered the cultural center of the Ao community. The event was held under the theme “Kü Lima, Kü Khu” — translated as “My Land, My Duty”, which was jointly organized by the Kohima Ao Officers Telungjem (KAOT), Mokokchung Ao Officers Telungjem (MAOT), and Dimapur Zone Ao Officers Telungjem (DAOT). The programme concluded with a feast hosted by the Ao Senden, the apex tribal body of the Ao Nagas.

Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA) Speaker, Sharingain Longkumer, addressing the gathering underlined three main points: the need for a new narrative, the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047, and the importance of a truthful census.

On the theme, Longkumer explained the literal meaning of “Kü Lima, Kü Khu” as “My Country, My Duty”.

He stated that duty is a responsibility, a task, or an action one is required to perform as part of one’s role. He emphasized, “This is my responsibility, my obligation towards my people. That is my job towards my people. I have to serve in all capacities, whatever the responsibility might be.” He described this as the fundamental essence through which the values of the forefathers, remembered as pioneers by the Nagas, were shaped.

He elaborated that the pioneering spirit of the Nagas was not about the word itself, but the characteristics that defined it—leaders who bore responsibility without prejudice, both among themselves and towards others. According to him, this burning determination was inherited from the forefathers, with the belief that God had entrusted this duty to the Nagas. He said, “It is required to fulfill, and for the larger Naga community to give service. This unflinching desire has brought us together as one today. It is the legal obligation towards our people, an assigned duty to all of us.”

On his first point, he urged the gathering to create a new and resurgent narrative for the people. He remarked, “We are living in an era of narrative. Let us make a resounding and resurgent narrative for our people—way better than today.”

The second point focused on Viksit Bharat 2047, the Government of India’s vision of a developed India by 2047. Longkumer asked what role Mokokchung could play within this framework, noting that there are only 22 years left to achieve this goal. He called upon the Ao Officers Union to envision and plan their contributions for Mokokchung’s progress within this national vision.

His third point was on the matter of census. He suggested initiating a pure Ao citizen census, starting from the Church level, by involving the Ao Baptist Arogo Mungdang (ABAM). Stressing the importance of truth in this exercise, he said, “Let truth prevail. We cannot lie to ourselves, nor to our people.” While there has been no development on Assembly delimitation as the matter is still pending in court, he informed that Parliamentary delimitation will take place.

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Sentiyanger Imchen, IAS and Chief Secretary to the Government of Nagaland, in his address, reflected on the historic significance of the formation of Ao Officers Telungjem.

He recalled that back in early 2000s, the Kohima Gazetted Officers had a group, but there was no united body of Ao officers. “For a long time, the Aos did not have a common platform like this to represent our community in front of the government or alongside other communities. What kind of image were we projecting to others, and what must they have thought of us?” he asked.

Imchen said that the unity witnessed today was possible only after many attempts and acknowledged

Ao Senden, which pushed this initiative forward. “This is the first meeting we are having today, and it marks an important step for us as Aos,” he added.

He acknowledged that some may question the need for another union, but stressed its importance. “If we don’t have unity among ourselves, there will be no progress to lead our community. We are not forming this union to distract or compete with others, but for ourselves, for our good, and to see what we can achieve in unity,” he said.

Pointing to the role of technology, he noted that social media can help strengthen this bond. “One individual’s thought cannot fulfill everything, but together we can,” he remarked.

Imchen reminded the officers of their responsibilities: “All Nagaland officers, including us Ao officers, have the privilege of job security and service. Therefore, we owe it to society. It is not only about having privilege, but also about using our knowledge and experience to make our home a better place.”

Emphasizing the dynamic nature of the present world, he urged officers to adapt. “The world is changing. If we do not adapt, we will be left behind. Political rivalries may exist, but the path, wisdom, and knowledge we have must be shared and used for good deeds.”

Addressing the officers, he said, “Our Ao citizens have high expectations from us. We need to rise to the challenges. To form a union is important, but how we lead it and what we produce through it is even more important.”

Concluding his address, he called for collective effort. “Let us work together, hand in hand, for our community, for our home, and for the Aos. We must thank God for His wisdom and guidance as we take this forward.”

Citing the legacy of Ao forefathers who built morungs through communal effort, Ao Senden President

Marsanen reminded officers that today’s gazetted officers carry the same duty to safeguard and lead their people. “Leadership means standing in front. It is not easy, because everyone hears what we say, sees what we do, and we must bear the consequences,” he said.