The Sumi Officers Union Dimapur (SOUD) held its General Meeting cum Baghi Hoho at Lhomithi Hall, Western Sümi Hoho ki Chekiye Village, on Friday.
H Tovihoto Ayemi, MLA and Advisor to Tribal Affairs and Election, Government of Nagaland, attended as Special Guest. The programme began with an invocation by Israel G. Xuivi, NPS, followed by reports from General Secretary Kitoho Michael Swu and Finance Secretary Sukhai Zhimomi.
Convenor of the Resolution Committee, Karen Yepthomi, presented resolutions that were unanimously adopted. These included continuation of the meritorious scholarship programme initiated by Western Sümi Totimi Hoho for 10 aspirants, assistance to the Sümi Literature Board (SLB) for publishing 60 undergraduate-level books, endorsement of drafting a constitution for the Sumi Officers Union Nagaland, and strengthening federating units in Zunheboto, Kohima, and Dimapur.
During the Baghi Hoho session, SOUD President Y. Ruth Muru delivered the welcome and presidential address, stressing officers’ accountability to society and the need for integrity in leadership. Reflecting on her tenure since February 2024, she thanked the executive team and urged members to uphold SOUD’s legacy. She also called for curbing extravagant spending at public functions, advocating purposeful and meaningful gatherings.
Greetings were delivered by Vikato Shikhu, General Secretary of the Western Sümi Hoho, who urged unity and peaceful coexistence among Naga communities. Hokali V. Chishi, President of Western Sümi Totimi Hoho, noted that the first batch of scholarship beneficiaries had begun coaching and sought continued support for the next batch.
SLB Chairman Vihoshe Mürü informed that degree-level Sutsa books are ready for publication and appealed for SOUD’s continued support to introduce the language at the undergraduate level.
Newly elected President L. Atopu Sumi, NPS, thanked the search committee and sought collective guidance to strengthen the union.
Addressing the gathering, Ayemi urged SOUD to address unemployment through strategic planning, skill development, and private-sector engagement, while emphasising agriculture as a sustainable livelihood. “If the Sümi community prospers, the Naga community prospers,” he said.
The 2026–27 executive will be led by President L Atopu Sumi, NPS, and General Secretary Dr Ithika C Swu.
