Dimapur, July 10 (MExN): In an occasion accentuated more by concern over the deepening division and problems facing the Nagas, the Sumi Naga community solemnly observed its premier festival, ‘Tuluni’, by reflecting on the level the Naga political struggle has come down to, the extortion, the tribalism and the power struggle.
During the celebrations, in Zunheboto, the community reiterated its January 15, 2008 resolution declaring Zunheboto as ‘Peace Zone’ while also decrying how the Naga political struggle has been reduce to division, tribalism, greed for money and power, the scourge of the of so-called “tax” and how the Naga political groups must now actually start working for the Naga people.
Community celebrates Tuluni amid concern
The community celebrated ‘Tuluni’ under the theme ‘festival of Peace, Unity and Reconciliation’ on July 7 and the 8th. Among the many dignitaries in attendance were Ministers Doshehe Y Sema, G Kaito Aye, Congress Legislature Party leader Tokheho Yepthomi, MLAs Dr. KC Nihoshe, Hollohon Yepthomi, and NSCN/GPRN leader N Kitovi Zhimomi, former legislators and community leaders.
Parliamentary Secretary Dr. Nihoshe Yepthomi addressed the gathering saying that unless there is peace and unity among every section of the Naga people, growth and development of human resources and physical infrastructures would be an inconceivable ambition.
Deputy Commissioner of Zunheboto Kiheto Zhimomi on his part said that the greed for money is the cause of “all corruption” in the Naga society today. Due to the formation of many underground factions, the poor public is now overburdened by “taxes,” the officer reminded.
Leaders from all the Sumi areas and Sumi frontal organizations expressed their views and opinions on the present socio-economic situation, the Sumi Hoho informed today. In his presidential address president of the Sumi Hoho H Hesso reminded that tribalism, ‘clanism’ should be completely uprooted from the society, and every leader should ‘have an impartial approach and attitude.’
Similarly, former president of the Sumi Hoho HS Rotokha who spoke on behalf of Sumi senior citizens reminded that the “national workers” have lost the true spirit of nationalism. He said that in the present Naga context “Nationalism is now tribalism and factionalism”. Quoting from the Holy Bible, Matthew 5:9, he said self-determination, is now self destruction.” ‘Nagaland for Christ is now Nagaland for cries and curse. Nagas want peace, unity and reconciliation nor further division,’ he reminded.
Minister for Roads and Bridges G Kaito Aye also echoed common sentiments by reminding that the public are now fed up with the “taxes” being levied on them. He appealed to all the “national workers” not to be individualists but be broadminded and work for the interest of the Nagas as a whole. He opined that Sumi Hoho should be a facilitator in unification of all the underground workers.
In addition, the ‘Sumi Baghi Hoho’ has reiterated two “resolutions.” In the larger interest of peace, unity and reconciliation, the organization has revoked its ‘excommunication resolution’ of November 27 2007. Further, the gathering unanimously reiterated and reaffirmed the Sumi community’s resolutions adopted on January 15, 2008. The resolution states: “On this day the 15th January 2008, all Sumi inhabitate (sic) area is hereby declared as ‘Peace Zone’. Therefore, bloodshed and fratricidal killings are completely stop herewith in the entire Sumi inhabitate (sic) area”.
Chairperson of Sumi Baptist Convention Aheto Zhimomi exhorted the gathering and affirmed that the Sumi Hoho is an autonomous tribal organization and is not subject to any government or organizations. “It is God alone who can give peace and unity in times of turbulence,” he said. Congress leader Tokheho Yepthomi also exhorted the gathering saying that ‘exemplary living is better than sweet and influential speeches’. He exhorted the Sumi leaders to seek wisdom from God and urged them to cooperate with the government to avail development opportunities.
GPRN/NSCN leader N Kitovi Zhimomi also spoke saying that the “Sumi can live without me but I cannot live without the Sumi. Where will I go?” He appealed to the Sumi not to be discouraged about NSCN/GPRN leader Isak Chishi Swu’s absence but asked them ‘to share their opinions with him.’
Meanwhile, with regard to the “non participation” of Isak Chishi Swu, the public has questioned the credibility of Sumi Hoho officials, “of which we are constrained to clarify that the former has expressed his desire to Sumi Hoho officials to visit Zunheboto vis-à-vis Sumi public on two occasions, i.e. 22nd October 2010, Bangkok, Thailand and 25th & 26th May 2011, Delhi, India.”
Accordingly, the Sumi Hoho stated in its note, the Sumi organization invited him to Zunheboto for the Tuluni festival of which he consented. “However, his failure to participate is very unfortunate and deeply regretted,” the ‘hoho’ added.
During the celebrations, in Zunheboto, the community reiterated its January 15, 2008 resolution declaring Zunheboto as ‘Peace Zone’ while also decrying how the Naga political struggle has been reduce to division, tribalism, greed for money and power, the scourge of the of so-called “tax” and how the Naga political groups must now actually start working for the Naga people.
Community celebrates Tuluni amid concern
The community celebrated ‘Tuluni’ under the theme ‘festival of Peace, Unity and Reconciliation’ on July 7 and the 8th. Among the many dignitaries in attendance were Ministers Doshehe Y Sema, G Kaito Aye, Congress Legislature Party leader Tokheho Yepthomi, MLAs Dr. KC Nihoshe, Hollohon Yepthomi, and NSCN/GPRN leader N Kitovi Zhimomi, former legislators and community leaders.
Parliamentary Secretary Dr. Nihoshe Yepthomi addressed the gathering saying that unless there is peace and unity among every section of the Naga people, growth and development of human resources and physical infrastructures would be an inconceivable ambition.
Deputy Commissioner of Zunheboto Kiheto Zhimomi on his part said that the greed for money is the cause of “all corruption” in the Naga society today. Due to the formation of many underground factions, the poor public is now overburdened by “taxes,” the officer reminded.
Leaders from all the Sumi areas and Sumi frontal organizations expressed their views and opinions on the present socio-economic situation, the Sumi Hoho informed today. In his presidential address president of the Sumi Hoho H Hesso reminded that tribalism, ‘clanism’ should be completely uprooted from the society, and every leader should ‘have an impartial approach and attitude.’
Similarly, former president of the Sumi Hoho HS Rotokha who spoke on behalf of Sumi senior citizens reminded that the “national workers” have lost the true spirit of nationalism. He said that in the present Naga context “Nationalism is now tribalism and factionalism”. Quoting from the Holy Bible, Matthew 5:9, he said self-determination, is now self destruction.” ‘Nagaland for Christ is now Nagaland for cries and curse. Nagas want peace, unity and reconciliation nor further division,’ he reminded.
Minister for Roads and Bridges G Kaito Aye also echoed common sentiments by reminding that the public are now fed up with the “taxes” being levied on them. He appealed to all the “national workers” not to be individualists but be broadminded and work for the interest of the Nagas as a whole. He opined that Sumi Hoho should be a facilitator in unification of all the underground workers.
In addition, the ‘Sumi Baghi Hoho’ has reiterated two “resolutions.” In the larger interest of peace, unity and reconciliation, the organization has revoked its ‘excommunication resolution’ of November 27 2007. Further, the gathering unanimously reiterated and reaffirmed the Sumi community’s resolutions adopted on January 15, 2008. The resolution states: “On this day the 15th January 2008, all Sumi inhabitate (sic) area is hereby declared as ‘Peace Zone’. Therefore, bloodshed and fratricidal killings are completely stop herewith in the entire Sumi inhabitate (sic) area”.
Chairperson of Sumi Baptist Convention Aheto Zhimomi exhorted the gathering and affirmed that the Sumi Hoho is an autonomous tribal organization and is not subject to any government or organizations. “It is God alone who can give peace and unity in times of turbulence,” he said. Congress leader Tokheho Yepthomi also exhorted the gathering saying that ‘exemplary living is better than sweet and influential speeches’. He exhorted the Sumi leaders to seek wisdom from God and urged them to cooperate with the government to avail development opportunities.
GPRN/NSCN leader N Kitovi Zhimomi also spoke saying that the “Sumi can live without me but I cannot live without the Sumi. Where will I go?” He appealed to the Sumi not to be discouraged about NSCN/GPRN leader Isak Chishi Swu’s absence but asked them ‘to share their opinions with him.’
Meanwhile, with regard to the “non participation” of Isak Chishi Swu, the public has questioned the credibility of Sumi Hoho officials, “of which we are constrained to clarify that the former has expressed his desire to Sumi Hoho officials to visit Zunheboto vis-à-vis Sumi public on two occasions, i.e. 22nd October 2010, Bangkok, Thailand and 25th & 26th May 2011, Delhi, India.”
Accordingly, the Sumi Hoho stated in its note, the Sumi organization invited him to Zunheboto for the Tuluni festival of which he consented. “However, his failure to participate is very unfortunate and deeply regretted,” the ‘hoho’ added.
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