Dimapur, July 13 (MExN): The All Sumi Students’ Union (SKK) today conveyed the “mutual acceptance” of a “clarificatory apology” communicated by the Naga Students’ Federation on July 12 over the issue of ‘toppers felicitation programme' organised by the Federation on July 8. The programme had coincided with Tuluni, an important festival of the Sumi, inviting strong reaction from the community in general and the SKK in particular.
The decision, taken after thorough deliberation at an emergency union assembly on July 12, however, has a caveat. While duly acknowledging the NSF's overture as a prudent approach and accepting the apology in good faith, the SKK in its strongest term urged the Federation “to ensure that strong resolution be adopted to prevent similar social mishaps in future” “Unless such exercise is undertaken by the NSF, the SKK or any other federating unit shall have the right to raise objection on the failure of the NSF,” the Union said.
The meeting also affirmed its earlier stand that the coincidence not only amounts to “utter failure on the part of the Federation to uphold its core constitutional guiding principle to ‘preserve our cultures, customs and traditional heritages’ enshrined in the preamble of the NSF Constitution but also grievously hurt the sentiments of the Sumi community in particular.”
The SKK also unequivocally reaffirmed that the NSF should “uphold its constitution in letter and spirit by inculcating mutual respect for cultures and traditions of all the Naga tribes and facilitate a healthy living environment for already disarrayed Naga family.” The Union’s decision was conveyed in a statement issued by its Speaker Kawoto K Chishi and Seasonal Assembly Secretary Atoka Yeptho.
