Ao Lanur Telungjem launches as apex youth body

MOKOKCHUNG — The Ao Lanur Telungjem has formally launched its apex youth organisation during a programme held at Aor Kilem in Mokokchung town under the aegis of the Ao Senden on Thursday. The historic initiative was aimed at unifying and empowering the youth of the Ao Naga community.

The Ao Lanur Telungjem would operate as an interim body until its constitution is finalised. During the interim period phase, the president of the Mokokchung Town Lanur Telungjem (MTLT), Imnaonen, would serve as convener, while the president of the Dimapur Ao Lanur Telungjem (DAYO), Tia Longchar, would be the co-convener.

The Ao Lanur Telungjem would operate under the Ao Senden. It aspires to unify and mobilise the youth across Ao youth organizations, ensuring their active participation in shaping a just and progressive community.

Speaking at the launch programme, the president of Ao Senden, Marsanen Imsong, emphasised the critical role of youth in shaping the community’s future. He underscored the traditional importance of youth in Ao Naga village governance, which would be reflected in the organisation’s constitution.

A constitution drafting committee led by Imlikumzuk Longkumer has been constituted.

Marsanen Imsong also stressed the need for the Ao Lanur Telungjem to remain steadfast in pursuing truth and unity, warning against divisive interests and corruption. He highlighted corruption as a pervasive issue in Naga society, undermining the courage needed to stand for truth and justice.

“What you do today will determine whether our community will rise or fall tomorrow,” he remarked, urging the youth to remain committed to their principles with faith in God.

The convener and co-convener have pledged their commitment to leading the Ao Lanur Telungjem in its mission to uphold truth and unity for the Ao community and Naga society. Their signatures marked a solemn vow to guide the organisation during its formative phase.

The event also featured speeches from Noklennungsang Jamir and Tongror Luden of Ao Senden, as well as Lipokmeren, president of Ongpangkong Mungdang, who all lauded the initiative. They have expressed optimism that the Ao Lanur Telungjem would serve as a beacon of hope and leadership for the community.

The ceremony concluded with a dedicatory prayer said by Bendang Jamir, associate pastor of Mokokchung Town Baptist Church.