Dimapur, Oct 14 (MExN): It is alleged that when the Sumi community of Seyochung village under Kiphire district claimed to have its own separate society, the village council court issued a ‘prohibition order’ on June 21, 2006, to the Sumis not to allow collection of resources like firewood and water.
However the intervention of the district administration through an order JUD-4/2002-03/55/6 dated Seyochung July 18 2006, the village authorities on July 23 allowed the petitioners to fetch water and collect firewood.
However, on September 10, 2006 the village council served another prohibition order to the Sumi community against clearing jungles in their own fields, which is a practice of Naga farming ie., Jhum cultivation.
Ruing these developments, the Sumi Community Seyochung Village through its GB and Chairman has appealed for a dialogue on the matter. “I on behalf of the public of Sumi community of Seyochung village would like to appeal and request our Sangtam brothers of Seyochung village (Sangtam community) to reconsider your stand on humanitarian grounds. Please, because the Sumis and Sangtams of the said village have been co-existing from time immemorial and maintaining its own identity. Whatever issues/problems may be, let us sit and settle it amicably for living harmoniously of our age-old relationship” stated a letter of appeal from GB/Chairman V Shivito Sumi.
