The Sumi Hoho (SH), the apex body of the Sumi community, held its Sumi Baghi Hoho (Sumi General Public Meeting) at the Multi-Purpose Hall in Zunheboto town, where a new team of office bearers was elected for the 2024-2027 tenure, and crucial resolutions were adopted.
New Office Bearers Take the Helm
The newly elected leadership team, announced by Shikaho Zhimomi, President of the Western Sumi Hoho and Convenor of the Search Committee, comprises Dr. Vihuto Asümi as President and Dr. Hotokhu Chishi as Vice President. Hotoshe Sema assumes the role of General Secretary, while Akükatou Ikuto K Yepthomi, Hetoshe Zhimomi, and Vikavi Assümi will serve as Secretaries. Vikiho Arkha takes charge as Finance Secretary, and Akükau Müghavi Zhimo as Assistant Finance Secretary.
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Adoption Resolution
Among the ten-point resolution unanimously adopted by the congregation of over 1,000 people, the most notable pertained to child adoption. The Sumi Hoho resolved that while there is no objection to the adoption of Naga children, non-Naga adoptees should not be given Sumi names or receive a no-objection certificate for Scheduled Tribe and Indigenous Inhabitant Certificates.
Furthermore, according to customary law, non-Naga adoptees will not have hereditary property inheritance rights or village chieftain rights. The resolution also stated that any adopted non-locals who subjugate Sumi individuals or spread falsehoods among Nagas will face severe penalties.
Leaders Address the Gathering
Minister for PWD (R&B), G. Kaito Aye, highlighted ongoing and upcoming development projects in the district, urging the Sumi Kükami (GBs) to lead with integrity and foresight. He called upon the SH and other Sumi frontal organisations to focus on district development and emphasised the need for stern action against GBs and retired government servants who have joined underground factions.
Commissioner & Secretary, Y. Kikheto Sema, encouraged the Sumi community to maintain peaceful relationships with all Naga tribes and cautioned against the negative use of social media. He also stressed the importance of clean elections, noting that the Sumi have the highest election expenditure and urging the public not to blame politicians for the lack of development.
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Former SH President, Dr. Hokishe Yeputhomi, MLA Er. Picto Shohe, and Sumi Kükami Hoho President Akükau Hetoho Zhimomi appealed to all denominations to celebrate the quasquicentennial of Christianity in the Sumi area and encouraged community leaders to demonstrate exemplary leadership qualities.
Felicitation and Prayers
The programme began with an invocation by Rev. Inakhu Sumi, Pastor of Zunheboto Town Sumi Baptist Church. SH President I. Nikheto Jimomi expressed gratitude to Sumi legislators, leaders of Sumi frontal organisations, elders, church members, and prayer warriors for their unwavering support over the past three years. Tolino Chishi was felicitated for her achievement in clearing the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) exam.
The meeting concluded with a prayer by Dr. Hutton Sumi, Pastor of the Sumi Baptist Church Zunheboto, for the incoming and outgoing SH office bearers and Executive Council members. The programme was chaired by SH Vice President Hokishe Kiba and recorded by SH Joint Secretary Hotoshe Sema, ending with a benediction by the Assistant Pastor of Zunheboto Town Sumi Baptist Church.
As the Sumi Hoho embarks on a new chapter with its newly elected leadership and significant resolutions, the community looks forward to a future of unity, development, and the preservation of their rich cultural heritage.
