Khehoshe Yepthomi addresses the gathering at the 8th General Conference of the ZTSTL held at Sukhalu village, Zunheboto on November 28.
Zunheboto, November 29 (MExN): The Zunheboto Tokukujo Sumi Totimi Loka (ZTSTL) conducted its 8th General Conference under the theme “Ashi Aghungu Kuxulo ishi tiqheli Totimi” (Today’s Women in spirit and carnal life) at Sukhalu village, Zunheboto on November 28.
The event was graced by Khehoshe Yepthomi, President of NPF Zunheboto Region, as the chief guest, and Linokali Aye, Clinical Psychologist under the District Health Management Programme, Mon, as the theme speaker.
In his address as the chief guest, Khehoshe Yepthomi emphasised the deep respect the Sumi community has traditionally held for women. Recalling the Mukali (Sumi–NSCN IM) conflict, Yepthomi highlighted the crucial role played by women, and urged Sumi women to “continue being the agents of peace in society.”
He stressed that numerous opportunities are now available for women through various government programmes initiated by the Government of India. “For those who are diligent, there are many ways to grow,” he said.
Speaking on healthcare, Yepthomi noted that hospital facilities have significantly improved since the COVID-19 pandemic. However, he expressed concern that people still prefer to seek treatment outside the district, and encouraged citizens to make better use of the government-provided healthcare facilities available locally.
Touching on infrastructural concerns, he remarked that Zunheboto headquarters has become highly congested, leaving limited space for development. He appealed to the people to consider providing land to the government so that expansion and the adjoining of Zunheboto and Satakha Town could be made possible.
On tourism, he informed the gathering that the Tourism Department has extended the Hornbill Festival to Zunheboto District. He urged the community to seize this opportunity and transform it into a source of income and growth.
He called upon the people to love their native villages and invest in developing them by building homes and strengthening community ties.
Addressing the participants at the conference, theme speaker Linokali Aye highlighted the need for women to realign their lives with God’s purpose. Aye stated that God created women with a vision of love, peace, and the ability to influence others positively, but noted that many today are increasingly drawn toward worldly pursuits, setting aside spiritual values.
In her message, Aye drew examples from the Bible to illustrate her point. She praised Abigail as a woman who lived to please God and was blessed for her faithfulness. In contrast, she referred to Mary and Martha, explaining how they became preoccupied with worldly matters, which often distracted them from spiritual devotion.
Aye further encouraged the gathering by recalling the story of Queen Esther, reminding women that life’s problems and tensions can be overcame through steadfast faith in God. She stressed that challenges are inevitable, but trust in God brings clarity and direction.
Concluding her address, Aye warned that when individuals fail to live the life God intends for them, they become vulnerable to distraction and drift away from their true purpose. She urged women to remain rooted in faith and to cultivate lives that reflect God’s calling.
Earlier, the programme was chaired by Akali Cultural Secy, welcome address delivered by Akukau Hekuto Yeptho and followed by cultural competition
