The Sümi community commemorated the 11th Sümi Martyrs’ Day on December 28, 2024, at the Sümi Martyrs’ Park in Sukhalu village, Zunheboto district. The event, organized by the Sümi Hoho, honored the memory of those who sacrificed their lives during the December 2013 Siege of Mukalimi.
According to a press release issued by the Sümi Hoho Media Cell, the program commenced with an invocation by Rev Khuvihe of Gethsemane Prayer Centre. Dr Vihuto Asumi, President of the Sümi Hoho, delivered the keynote address, emphasizing the significance of the day in preserving the community’s history and honoring the martyrs’ sacrifices.
Floral tributes were offered by various organizations and relatives of the three martyrs, followed by a special song presented by Akavi Yeptho. Sümi Hoho Advisor, Nikheto Jimomi, delivered a speech reflecting on the martyrs’ legacy. A prayer for the martyrs and Sümi leaders was led by Pastor Shekito Swu of the Sukhalu Baptist Church. The event concluded with a vote of thanks from Kikheto Muru.
A notable highlight of the commemoration was the inauguration of the “Sümi Hoho Ambulance Service,” flagged off by Advisor Nikheto Jimomi. This ambulance was generously donated by Lok Sabha Member of Parliament S Supongmeren Jamir, aiming to enhance healthcare accessibility in the region.
Sümi Martyrs’ Day was established by the Sümi Hoho to honor the volunteers who lost their lives during the Siege of Mukalimi in December 2013. The siege was a significant event where thousands of Sümi volunteers mobilized to demand justice following an incident involving the NSCN-IM. The confrontation resulted in casualties, leading to the declaration of December 28 as Sümi Martyrs’ Day to remember the fallen, the press release said.
Over the years, the Sümi community has observed this day with various programs, including memorial services, speeches, and cultural performances, to pay homage to the martyrs and reflect on the community’s resilience and unity. The Sümi Martyrs’ Park in Sukhalu village serves as a central venue for these commemorations, symbolizing the community’s respect and remembrance for those who made the ultimate sacrifice, the release added.
The 11th Sümi Martyrs’ Day not only honored the past but also reinforced the community’s commitment to unity, justice, and progress, ensuring that the legacy of the martyrs continues to inspire future generations, it also said.