A section of the gathering during the Sümi Kükami Hoho Baghi Hoho meeting held in Zunheboto on May 16. (Morung Photo)
Male-only village chiefs, traditional ‘GB’ titles, RTI restrictions, mandate customary justice
Zunheboto, May 16 (MExN): The Sümi Kükami Hoho Baghi Hoho, meeting on May 16, adopted a series of resolutions affirming customary governance norms, including a ban on women holding village chieftainship and a push to replace the colonial-era “GB” title with traditional honorifics.
The gathering resolved that traditional honorific titles “Akükau” and “Akükatou” would replace the designation “GB” (Gaon Bura) across all Sümi villages.
On the contentious issue of women in leadership, the body resolved that women would not be permitted to hold the title of village chief. It was resolved that if any village chief or village authority issues a clearance letter to the government recognising a woman as village chief, the concerned authority would face cancellation from the Sümi Kükami Hoho (SKH) along with a heavy penalty.
An exception was, however, carved out for widows. A woman may temporarily assume leadership responsibilities under certain circumstances, particularly following the death of their husband, and until the rightful male (child) heir attains maturity (this is only in case there are no other older male in the family lineage). During such temporary arrangements, they would not be permitted to wear the traditional cloth associated with kingship.
On governance and legal matters, the body resolved that consent from village and area kingship authorities must be obtained before filing applications under the Right to Information (RTI) Act, citing concerns over alleged misuse of RTIs for personal motives.
The gathering also resolved that all disputes arising within Sümi-inhabited villages and areas be settled through customary courts rather than legal courts. It further informed that SKH will object to any individuals taking the issue to the legal court.
