In a significant development, the Eastern Sumi Hoho officially affiliated itself with the Eastern Nagaland Peoples’ Organization (ENPO) today, November 30, during a momentous ceremony held in Tuensang. This ‘historic’ move follows a series of events including a massive rally organized by the Eastern Sumi Hoho in Seyochung Town, Kiphire, back in June 2023.
The June rally was a fervent demand for the merger of the “Eastern Sumi territory” into Zunheboto district. This demand arose following the ENPO’s acceptance of the Government of India’s proposal for the formation of the Frontier Naga territory with legislative, executive, administration, and financial autonomy. Subsequently, in July 2023, the ENPO and the Eastern Sumi Hoho convened a joint meeting, laying the groundwork for collaborative discussions.
During the official affiliation ceremony today, Minister of Road & Bridges G Kaito Aye emphasized the paramount importance of unity and urged the people to collaborate for shared progress. The president of Eastern Sumi Hoho, Tokishe Sumi, stressed that Sumis are not new members but one of the oldest members with a longstanding presence.
MLA and DPDB chairman of Kiphire, C Kipili Sangtam, lauded the ENPO and Eastern Sumi Hoho for initiating this historic dialogue. He urged tribes within the ENPO to plant the seeds of unity and collectively propel Eastern Nagaland toward becoming a progressive region.
