Dimapur, January 10 (MExN): Addressing the golden jubilee celebration of Sumi Aphuyemi Kiphimi Kuqhakulu, Dr. Shurhozelie Leizietsu, minister for Urban Development, Higher and Technical Education said, “Division of Nagas by Britishers for their administration convenience has proved disastrous for Nagas.”
A press release received here stated that talking on Naga integration issue, Dr. Shurhozelie added that Nagas are tackling about integration because it is our birth and fundamental right and above all Nagas want to live together as one family. “No one can stop us from demanding what rightfully belongs to us,” he reiterated. He said that the state government, in the interest of Naga people as a whole, has done something good for Nagas in Burma by requesting the Myanmar government to give recognition to them with defined terrorist of Nagas in Burma, which the Myanmar government duly accepted.
The golden jubilee celebration of Sumi Aphuyemi Kiphimi Kuqhakulu was marked with rich cultural extravaganza which was observed at Pughoboto Town from January 8 to 10 with the theme “Aphuyemi! Here and Beyond” where Dr. Shurhozelie Leizietsu, minister for Urban Development, Higher and Technical Education graced the inaugural function as chief guest on January 9.
Addressing a large gathering after unveiling the jubilee monolith and unfurling the SAKK flag, chief guest said jubilee is a time for the people to come together and celebrate joy and liberty and importantly to forgive one another which is most needed in the present context of Naga society. Proclaiming that Naga people need peace at this hour, he urged the SAKK to be front runner of peace among different section of Naga people as future of Nagas depend on peace. Also stating that student bodies can play a vital role to reform the society, Dr. Shurhozelie urged the SAKK to consciously plan some initiative for a better tomorrow and pursue it with modality and whole heartedness.
Stressing on the importance of education in building a strong society, the chief guest reminded the students that attaining education is not for white collared job but it is to make a man complete and independent. He therefore urged the students pursue their education with sincerity while also developing work culture in them, which is very important for economic growth of the society.
Pughoboto, which officially became sub-divisional headquarter in 1981 is still without treasury office and banking facility. In this regard, SAKK submitted a memorandum to Dr. Shurhozelie for his intervention for establishment of the same in Pughoboto town.
Joshua Achumi, MLA 13th Pughoboto A/C was guest of honour for cultural regale on January 10 while later in the afternoon, Nihoto Chishi, Secretary, Department of Law and Justice was guest of honour for aesthetic session of the jubilee. Rev. Kiyezhe Chishi, Executive Secretary, NCRC (Sumi) Nagaland was the resource person at the theme session.
Rev. Hotokhu P. Zhimo, executive secretary, SABAK Pughoboto dedicated the jubilee monolith. Atoho K. Kiho, convener, souvenir and editorial board, SAKK chaired the inaugural function. Suhoje Kiho, president, GB Association, Pughoboto delivered the welcome address. Rev. Father Yesudas, parish priest, St. Francis of Assisi Church, Lazami released the jubilee souvenir.
Kyong Students’ Union, Rengma Students’ Union, Sumi Kiphimi Kuqhakulu and ADC Pughoboto shared greeting and solidarity during the course of jubilee.
Apart from various cultural and literary competitions, erecting of Apu Ki (traditional boys’ dormitory) by all the constituent units of SAKK added color to the depiction of Sumis rich cultural heritage. About 2000 student delegates participated in the jubilee.
