Chizokho Vero
Chetheba | June 14
The Sumis and Chakhesangs on Saturday signed a historic traditional bond of brotherhood in the form of adopting a six-point resolution wherein both the communities vowed to work together to promote peace and unity and to further strengthen the bond between the two tribes. The resolutions were adopted at a day-long ‘Chakhesang-Sumi Brotherhood Meet’ here which was attended by legislators of both the tribes and apex organisations of the two tribes.
As per the resolution, “The Chakhesangs-Sumis shall work together and promote peace and unity among our tribes. To strengthen this, any dispute taking the colour of a tribe shall be taken up by the Chakhesang Public Organisation (CPO) and Sumi Hoho (SH) for peaceful solution which will be binding on the tribes above,” the resolution said adding that this should be initiated through the area Village Council/Authority.
The meet also reiterated the resolutions adopted at Dzulha and Dimapur meet to promote cultural and traditional programmes, historical committee to sponsor the study and research on the migration of the two tribes and form a coordination committee in this regard. The meet appreciated and supported the Naga Consultative Meet from March 5-7, 2009, and the resolutions adopted, and it urged the appropriate authority to expedite the formation of a common platform so as to expedite the process, thereby bringing the Nagas to the common vision.
The meet felt the need for periodical meets of Chakhesangs and Sumis for furtherance of their brotherhood and thereby reiterating the proclamation to respect and accept one another to strengthen commonness towards the fusion of all Nagas in true Christian practice. Expressing deep concern over the fractured Naga society creating distrust, insecurity, with violence, exploitation and extortion under the guise of multiple nationalism, it said, “This is contrary to the Naga culture and Christian ethics,” and the meeting placed on record an urgent and fervent call to the national workers to amend this practice and come to the Naga aspired platform for peaceful progress and unity in emotional integration.
Appreciating the CPO resolution banning the import of animals from outside the state, the meeting urged the Sumi brothers to follow suit. In addition, the meet urged both tribes to protect the flora and fauna of the land and cease burning of jungles in order to maintain ecological balance in this critical age of global warming and universal disasters such as droughts.
The resolution was appended by resolution committee members, Z Lohe, Timikha Koza, Kitoho and Dr. Inakhe Sumi. Earlier, speaking at the meeting, Minister for health and family welfare, Kuzholuzo (Azo) Nienu, felt that such meeting be held frequently in the interest of “our brotherhood”. Also stressing on the need to strengthen the weight of “our brotherhood”, he said, “we should create an atmosphere of peace, unity and tranquility and set an example to other tribes.”
Minister for road and bridges, Kaito Aye, said that all the Naga people have to come together to seek for peace and forget all the differences. He challenged Sumi and Chakhesang tribes to act as peacemaker between the Naga brothers. Referring to the meeting, the Minister said that it should be translated into practice to further the relationship.
Appreciating the intention of the meet, which is to bring about better understanding, peace and unity in the society, Parliamentary Secretary for social welfare and women development, Chotisuh Sazo said, “We must continue to reinforce our relationship” and at the same time create better environment to live in. Stating that the need of the hour today for people is to think to be part with global village, he said, “We need each other; we need to help each other and build harmonious society.”
Recalling the earlier meetings between the two tribes, Chakhesang Public Organization (CPO) president Yesonu Veyie said, “Since then, we have been meeting from time to time and have made decisions as to how we could strengthen our relationship. Though there has been progress in our relationship, there is still much to accomplish.” As brothers, he said, “we are to learn to live together peacefully and to love one another,” adding that the meeting has been convened to bring the leaders together and “to forge out a relationship in the true spirit of brotherhood”.
“The Chakhesang and Sumi brotherhood should not be confined within a small circle. Our brotherhood needs to be expanded for greater and wider circle,” said Sumi Hoho president Hokishe Yepthomi. He said the Chakhesang-Sumi meet was started way back in 1995 at Zunheboto under the direction of Divine revelation through his servant Chosai. In the subsequent years, it was held in 1998 at Zunheboto, 1999 at Kivikhu (Hetiqa) and 1999 at M. Tsugho Kilomi. “In all these meets we have solved some problems amicably that erupted between some neighbour villages but no substantial issues were discussed. He also termed the Dzulha meet as the most important one of all Chakhesang-Sumi brotherhood meets, adding a series of resolutions were adopted there and reaffirmed at Dimapur session 2007 sponsored by the Chakhesang and Sumi Community of Dimapur Town.
He felt that the proposed coordination committee needs to be formed at the earliest opportune time to carry forward its resolutions to enhance cohesive and mutual respect and strengthen the relationship between two brothers.
