Morung Express News
Dimapur | March 17
The 28th General Conference of Sumi Totimi Hoho (STH) was held on Friday at Town Hall, Zunheboto with Secretary Land Resources, Kikheto Y. Sema IAS and Prof Dr. Akali Sema, Department of Horticulture, SASRD, NU Medziphema as the chief guest and speaker respectively.
Addressing the gathering, Kikheto harped on the issue of women reservation in the Urban Local Bodies and said all should take collective responsibility for what has happened and march positively towards unity and progress.
“Digging too much into the past would be meaningless and we should also look for positivity with in-depth consultation at all levels,” he said.
Taking reference from the Bible on the creation of Adam and Eve and scholarly interpretation by Matthew Henry, Kikheto said woman was created out of a man’s left rib close to his heart and under his arms so that the man can keep woman close to him and protect her.
He also referred to Ephesians 5: 21-25 which dwells on how a man and woman should live together in a Christian household. He likened the role of woman to a homemaker and ‘home minister’ and man to that of a ‘chief minister.’
Kikheto said that not all customs and traditions that the Naga forefathers practised was desirable in today’s scenario. “That is why we should discard those customary practices which do not fit into contemporary situation and improvise on new values. Nothing is permanent except change,” he added.
The chief guest said that Naga women were placed on a higher pedestal comparing to those from other states. He said Naga women were more progressive than their counterparts in various fields and encouraged them to contest elections with reservation or without reservation.
Kikheto also pointed out that even as there was women representatives in VDBs, men often ignore them. Even Anganwadi centres meant for women are monitored and controlled by men, he added. He said Sumi women were strong enough to lead an honourable life in the midst of men with or without quota. Kikheto called upon mothers to give importance to their mother tongue. He also talked about clean election and urged the people to continuously pray for strong and quality leaders.
Speaking on the conference’s theme, “Women, rise against all ills,” Dr. Akali said women were the best creation of God and a huge blessing to mankind.
She emphasized on corruption and discrimination as ills in the society which must be fought back tooth and nail. She spoke against, bribery, nepotism, crime, dishonesty etc and urged people to make ‘Nagaland for Christ’ a better place to live in.
She encouraged government employees to cultivate an honest work culture. Others who exhorted the gathering on different sessions included, Sumi Hoho VP, Khehoshe Yeptho; Jehovi Zhimomi, Chairman GB, Zunheboto town; Miss Nagaland 2016, Vilokali T. Jimo and Miss Sumi 2015, Alika I. Jimo.
