Dimapur, December 3 (MExN): The Sümi Hoho and Kohima Sümi Hoho (KSH) today clarified that no intoxicating substances, including alcohol, are sold within the Sumi Morung during the Hornbill Festival at the Naga Heritage Village, Kisama.
The clarification came following the joint appeal by the Western Sümi Baptist Akukuhou Küqhakulu (WSBAK), Sümi Baptist Akukuhou Küqhakulu (SBAK), and Sümi Aphuyemi Baptist Akukuhou Küqhakulu (SABAK) to the Sümi Hoho “to enforce a strict ban on the sale and consumption of alcohol at Sumi Ki.”
The appeal followed the recent relaxation of the Nagaland Liquor Total Prohibition Act (NLTP Act) by the State Government to permit the sale and consumption of alcohol during the ongoing Hornbill Festival.
In this connection, while appreciating the concerns raised by the Executive Secretaries, the Sümi Hoho clarified that the KSH has been entrusted with the management of the Sümi Morung at Kisama.
“As part of this stewardship, the Sümi Morung has upheld a consistent practice for the past 25 years: no intoxicating substances, including alcohol, have been sold within its premises,” it said.
The Sümi Hoho also assured all stakeholders that the long-standing tradition of maintaining an alcohol-free Sümi Morung will continue without compromise.
In a statement, the KSH also categorically stated that no alcohol is sold or consumed at the Sumi Morung during the Hornbill Festival at Kisama.
“This is issued to clear any doubts in the minds of the readers of the said letter as it may be misconstrued and create a wrong impression detrimental to the image of the organisation looking after the Sumi Morung at Kisama,” it added.
