Tuensang, November 27 (MExN): The Eastern Sumi Hoho (ESH) is poised to affiliate with the Eastern Nagaland Peoples Organisation (ENPO), the umbrella entity representing the seven tribes of Eastern Nagaland, namely Chang, Khiamniungan, Konyak, Phom, Sangtam, Tikhir, and Yimkhiung. A formal programme is scheduled in Tuensang on November 30, where the affiliation will be officially declared.
The affiliation assumes significance as on June 29, the Sumi inhabitants of Kiphire and Shamator districts, under the Eastern Sümi Hoho, had organised a rally in Seyochung town demanding the exclusion of Eastern Sumi territory from the proposed formation of the Frontier Naga Territory (FNT), an autonomous body for six eastern districts of Nagaland. Two days earlier, on June 27, the ENPO had announced the acceptance of the Government of India's proposal for the formation of the FNT with "legislative, executive, administration, and financial autonomy."
Discussions between the ENPO and ESH, including a joint coordination meeting on July 4, thereafter appear to have progressed positively, leading to the upcoming formal affiliation event.
