The history of Sumi migration towards the western part of Nagaland can be clearly traced back to pre-independence period, when India was under the British rule. The first wave of migration and establishment of Sumi Villages, in the western part of present Nagaland took place during the British Regime.
Kiyezu Zhimomi of Nikuto Village from Zunheboto, whose legend shall always find its place in the records of Western Sumi, obtained the approval and permit from Col. A.E Wood ICS, then, the D.C of Kohima,and J.Needhan I.P, then, the S.D.O of Mokokchung to establish his village and thus in 1911, Kiyezu Village, the first Sumi Village was established. We must bear in mind that, in those earliest period, nobody might have perceived that someday Western Sumi would evolve into such a well knit society; prosperous and glorious. Today, it would to be safe to call Western Sumi as – ‘a land of opportunities’.
Subsequently, from 1918 to 1927, following villages such as Nikhekhu Village, Kuhoxu Village, Alato Village were established with the permit issued by J.H Hutton, then the D.C of Kohima.
Again, from 1937 – 1947 following Villages such as Kiyevi Village, Lhothavi Village, Zhuikhu Village, Zutovi Village and Kukidolong were established with the permit issued by C.R.Pawsey, then, the D.C of Kohima.
Then, in a great wave of migration, more Villages were established after the Independence of India. And again after attainment of Nagaland State hood, many more Villages were established. At Present, there are 157 Sumi Villages, including those Sumi Communities in and around Dimapur Town and about 20-21 un-recognized Sumi Villages under the affiliation of Western Sumi Hoho.
On this historic occasion, the centenary commemoration of Western Sumi, we acknowledge the divine dispensation of God upon the Sumi tribe of Nagaland.
On this day, we salute those men and women of great courage, who undertook great risk against uncertainties and untold adverse forces of nature. Their lives were indeed very precarious one. In the course of Western Sumi history, when ignorance and illiteracy was at galore, there were few personalities, who tirelessly and selflessly gave their leadership in bringing about our society into a close knit one. Today, even though, their names may not be celebrated among the present generation as they deserve to be; we offer them our sincere tribute and it is our prayer that their posterity may always be blessed.
It is also pertinent to acknowledge all those people which include the Administrators during British rule, the Indian rulers, Naga political leaders, bureaucrats and Naga national workers for their goodwill and favorable disposition towards Sumi. We accept that, we truly owe them and it is perhaps one decisive factor contributing towards the establishment of WESTERN Sumi.
We also acknowledge those personalities who were instrumental in pioneering the Western Sumi Hoho and the subsequent generation of leaders who consolidated the Western Sumi Society. At the same time, the invaluable contribution o0f the various Church leaders, its workers and especially the emergence of WSBAK and its positive roles are praiseworthy.
May God bless them all!!
Besides other factors, entrepreneurship was the hallmark of our forefathers. Taking into amount of risks and sacrifices involved, their efforts were just priceless, if it was not for their entrepreneurship, Western Sumi would not have materialized. Therefore, as we embrace this inheritance with open arm, it shall always be a zeal for a Western Sumi to preserve and safeguard its legacy.
At the same time, it shall also be our utmost endeavor to live in harmony with others, to promote peace and prosperity of our Naga society at large.
KUKNALIM!!
(The writer is MLA from the ruling NPF party)
