Dimapur, October 23 (MExN): The Dimapur Sumi Council (DSC), the apex Sumi organization of the Dimapur urban area, has made a clarion call for community members to shun anti-social activities. This not only tarnishes the reputation of our Sumi community but also disrupts the peace, harmony, and fraternity among our Naga family, stated a press release from DSC President Shikuto Yeptho and Media Secretary D. Jonah Achumi.
Expressing concern over the increasing instances of anti-social activities within the community, the DSC noted that as a responsible tribal body of urban Dimapur, it is our collective responsibility to uphold values such as integrity, respect, and mutual support in the fight against wrongdoings.
“We call upon our Sumi tribe members, both young and old, to refrain from any activities that go against the welfare and harmony of our other Naga tribes living in Dimapur,” it added. To this end, it urged every member of our Sumi tribe to reflect on the consequences of such behaviors and prioritize the well-being of our collective future alongside other communities as a responsible and mature tribe. “We encourage all Sumi families and elders to guide the younger generation and instill in them the importance of responsible behavior both within and outside our families and community,” it added.
The DSC also cautioned Sumis not to indulge in destructive and detrimental activities that not only hurt the sentiments of other Naga communities but also sow discord and disharmony among the tribes.
It further regretted that many recent activities involving some Sumis have brought much embarrassment to the community and created unfortunate discord with fellow tribes. Incidents such as the assault of a pastor and various cases related to extortion, taxation issues, robbery, and other crimes have compelled the DSC leaders to deliberate on this pressing issue in a recent meeting, the Council shared.
Accordingly, it asked every village, clan, and area to “control and monitor their own members and kinsmen from indulging in such activities and take responsibility, implementing corrective measures and appropriate actions at the right time to save the Sumi community from further degradation.”
While acknowledging that every community has its black sheep, the DSC noted that “when almost all criminal activities are committed by our tribe, it is high time for our community, village and clan leaders, intellectuals, churches, individuals, and various groups to introspect and reflect on the reasons behind this and work towards healing our relationships both within ourselves and with other tribes.”
The DSC also appealed to other Naga tribes to reach out to DSC officials regarding any grievances or problems that arise so as to settle differences amicably before “communalizing and making it a tribal issue or resorting to any mob activity." “The DSC is always ready to address any tasks or matters in a united and peaceful way rather than forming new organizations or bodies to solve issues hastily, which will only add tension to our fragile society,” it stated.
The DSC also lauded the Naga Council Dimapur (NCD) on its attainment of a platinum jubilee and appeals to all Sumis to cooperate during the NCD platinum jubilee celebrations in whatever way they can. The DSC has 14 sectoral units within the Dimapur municipal area, comprising approximately 10,000 households, including both permanent and non-permanent residents, the release added.
