Sümi Hoho, FNR issue appeals ahead of Zunheboto reconciliation meet
Following the meeting at Ungma, the Sümi Hoho is gearing up to host the next reconciliation gathering convened by the Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR) on September 27, 2025, in Zunheboto.
As FNR and the Naga public attempt to bring the Naga Political Groups (NPGs) together, the Sümi Hoho on Thursday issued an earnest appeal to all groups to participate in the upcoming meeting.
In a joint appeal, the presidents of the Sümi Hoho and its affiliated organizations emphasized the importance of unity and participation. The signatories include Dr Vihuto Asumi (Sümi Hoho), Akükaú Hetoho S Zhimomi (Sümi Kükami Hoho), Rochill Vitoli Rochill (Sümi Totimi Hoho), and Gihuka K Zhimo (Sümi Kiphimi Küqhakulu).
The Sümi Hoho also said that, along with FNR, it will maintain records of all participants, underlining the significance of the gathering in the ongoing reconciliation efforts.
This comes after the Working Committee, NNPGs, in a statement on September 24, appealed to FNR and the Sümi Hoho to “defer their upcoming Zunheboto meet by a week or two,” suggesting that “every Naga civil society… be invited for a fruitful discourse in the spirit of acceptance and oneness.”
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Speaking to Mokokchung Times, Hotoshe Sema, general secretary of the Sümi Hoho, said the matter had been discussed internally but that deferring the date was not a decision the Sümi Hoho could take alone.
“The Sümi Hoho is just a host and it includes all the tribal Naga bodies and is a meeting convened by the FNR. So, the Sümi Hoho alone cannot decide on this. This was what we talked on the meeting,” he explained.
On the broader appeal, Sema said it was made because some political groups remain “reluctant to join the meeting.” The Ungma meeting in August brought together representatives of 16 NPGs and 34 tribal hohos from across Naga areas – the highest turnout so far – but still short of complete representation.
“There are some political groups that have not been attending previous meetings. Our target is for all Naga political groups to become one. That’s the only way we can collectively send a message to India,” he said.
Sema added that the Sümi Hoho has been actively reaching out to groups that have not been attending through telephonic conversations, though no firm responses have been received so far.
Despite the challenges, Sema struck an optimistic note: “At the end of the day, we are in full support of FNR. This is for all of us – the Nagas. We are really hoping for a positive outcome.”
FNR Responds: “Let us come together in Zunheboto”
Meanwhile, the Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR) has responded to the WC NNPGs’ communiqué, calling it a “moral and spiritual reminder” for reflection and renewed commitment.
In its statement, FNR acknowledged the difficult but hopeful journey towards reconciliation, crediting NPGs for contributing to a sense of “peace, security, and wellbeing” among the public. At the same time, it admitted to its own failings: “It is not a matter of if the FNR has erred, we have made mistakes. And so, the FNR says Sorry, and we seek forgiveness from the Naga people not conditionally, not hypothetically, but truthfully.”
FNR noted that the process gained fresh momentum this year when NPGs proposed including tribal hohos as an integral part of reconciliation. Since then, the Angami Public Organisation (APO) hosted a meeting in Jotsoma on July 24, followed by the Ao Senden in Ungma on August 23, leading to the September 27 meeting at Zunheboto hosted by the Sümi Hoho.
“These meetings are in continuation of building solidarity, confidence and mutual trust, not just among the NPGs, but between the Naga tribes,” FNR said, while praising the “ecological sensitivity and thoughtful considerations” of the hohos.
Appealing for unity, the Forum urged: “Let us come together in Zunheboto and give a renewed chance to the future of the Naga political destiny.”
“Let this be a moment of convergence, not division – of courage, not hesitation.”
Reaffirming its impartial role, FNR said reconciliation is inclusive of all Nagas, and its responsibility is to bring all political groups together “in the spirit of genuine forgiveness and reconciliation” so they may collectively pursue the Naga historical and political rights.
Concluding, FNR expressed confidence in the “wisdom and leadership” of the WC NNPGs, appealing for support “not for FNR’s sake, but for the sake of our shared future.”
