Tuensang, January 17 (MExN): To strengthen age-old relationship, the Yimchunger and Sumi tribes under the initiatives of Yimchunger Tribal Council (YTC) and Sumi Hoho (SH) organized a Cultural Exchange Program cum celebration at Chessore village in Tuensang district on January 16.
The President of Sumi Hoho, Toniho Yepthomi in his solidarity message gave a brief history of Sumi and Yimchunger tribes tracing back to 1930s. From 1936, the relationship between the two tribes was re-strengthened, he said. He highlighted that the association, which is running in its 81 years of concord, has seen tremendous amount of trust and respect between the two tribes and shall continue in the spirit of brotherhood. He further encouraged the two tribes to focus on education sector as through this only tremendous and rapid all round development can take place, stated a press release issued by Tsukhumong from Organizing Commitee of the program.
K Keozih, President, YTC greeted the Yimchunger people everywhere a happy Tsungkamnio festival and also welcomed the Sumi Hoho and its members. While acknowledging the relentless co-operation extended to the Yimchunger community, he believed that this program will further strengthen the age-old relationship to a new level.
Advisor of YTC, K. Zungkum highlighted the history of brotherhood of the two tribes and expressed gratitude to Sumi pioneers for the initiative undertaken to share gospel and education to Yimchunger land in the early 1950s.
Meanwhile, President of Yimchunger GBs Union K. Lakiumong shared the significance of Tsungkamnio, former President of YTC, Thsesong spoke on cultural values of Yimchunger and Sumi, and Toshi Wungtung, Advisor to ENPO heaped praises and gratefulness on Sumis for being the torchbearer in Yimchunger land.
Minister for Roads & Bridges, Y. Vikheho Swu stressed on the importance of road connectivity for all round development and divulge various works undertaken by the Government to connect the people of North East with the rest of the Asian countries. He also emphasized the importance to preserve our traditional values and customs in the younger generation so that our culture and values will be intact. He further urged the Nagas to be self reliant and not only depend on Government but be able to generate income through agriculture, livestock etc.
The MLA & Chairman of NKVIB, T. Torechu expressed that the relationship between the two tribes will be exemplary to other Nagas through their honesty, mutual respect and aspiration to live in unity and peace.
The Parliamentary Secretary for Municipal Affairs, Economics & Statistics R. Tohanba in his greetings conveyed that the Sumi & Yimchunger sharing land boundaries has co-existed since time immemorial & assured to extend help in times of good and in hard times.
The event saw the spirited cultural folk songs and warrior dance by the Sumi cultural troupes and the Yimchunger cultural troupes.
