Minister CL John speaking at the programme commemorating the official affiliation of the ENSUD into the folds of the ENPUD held at the Konyak Paan (community centre), Purana Bazaar on November 6
Morung Express News
Dimapur | November 6
CL John, Nagaland Minister for Forest, Environment & Climate Change, said that Naga unity is a must before achieving or arriving at a solution to the Naga political issue. According to him, in the pursuit of the long sought after unity among the various Nagas tribes, the people under the banner of the Eastern Nagaland People’s Organisation (ENPO) and Sumi Hoho can play a central role.
He made the comment at a programme commemorating the official affiliation of the Eastern Nagaland Sumi Union Dimapur (ENSUD) into the folds of the Eastern Nagaland People's Union Dimapur (ENPUD) held at the Konyak Paan (community centre), Purana Bazaar on November 6.
While stating that relations between the Sumi and the various eastern Nagaland tribes go back a long way, he termed the affiliation with the ENPUD as a “homecoming” for the eastern Sumi. If the rest of the Naga tribes share the same spirit of camaraderie as shared by the Sumi and ENPO bloc, he said that it can go a long way in fostering Naga unity, and in bringing together the various Naga Political Groups under one roof. While there are various ways of bridging the tribal divide in the Naga family, he proposed that encouraging inter-tribe marriage could combat tribalism by promoting closer relationships and shared identities across tribal lines.
While encouraging all Nagas to foster fraternity, he said that the Sumi-ENPO relationship should be seen as an example of that very spirit, not as a challenge or threat to other Naga communities. He maintained that it is not a power play, but rather an expression of genuine fraternal accord.
Dr Vihuto Assumi, who was the guest of honour, framed the occasion a day of meaning, reaffirming old bonds and a commitment to work together. He highlighted the Sumi people’s unique position as a bridge between different tribes, both geographically and socially, and particularly the role of Eastern Sumis as a vital link between Eastern Nagaland and the wider Sumi community. Assumi described unity, not as uniformity but as respectful collaboration that embraces diversity.
Assumi expressed solidarity with the Eastern Nagaland community's aspirations for a Frontier Nagaland Territory. He noted, however, what he said was a perceivably reduced concern to the broader Naga political issue. “Perhaps this is because ENPO is fully focused on the Frontier Naga Territory movement at the moment,” he said.
Nevertheless, he said, “I wish to gently remind and urge us that our voices are vital in the broader Naga political journey. It is important that all of us together continue to emphasise the need for an early, inclusive and honorable settlement to the long-standing Naga political issue.”
ENSUD President Atoka Chophy termed the affiliation as a historic fulfillment of a long-cherished desire to unite with their Eastern Naga brethren. He expressed gratitude to the pioneers, who laid the foundation for this union, and said that the ENSUD is committed to working hand-in-hand with ENPUD to fulfill their shared goals.
