The Sumi Region National Workers of NSCN/GPRN-IM convened for a consultative meeting on October 18, 2024, at Shoixe Village, hosted by the Shoixe Village Council under the Satakha Sub-Division. The meeting was chaired by Pihoto Kiho, Chief Administrative Officer of the Sumi Region, with proceedings recorded by Huqheto Sumi, Secretary of the Sumi Region.
The Sumi Region National Workers Consultative Meeting adopted resolutions condemning several Indian government policies, including the suspension of the Free Movement Regime (FMR), the Supreme Court’s decision on the Oting incident case, the deletion of “Naga” from official records (in Arunachal Pradesh), and the Register of Indigenous Inhabitants of Nagaland (RIIN) which it deemed as a “mechanism to divide the Naga society.” The meeting also reaffirmed the support of the Sumi Region to the NSCN/GPRN leadership.
The meeting served as a vital platform for addressing significant challenges and fostering unity among the Sumi people, reaffirming their dedication to social, political integrity, and cultural preservation, a press release said.
Prominent speakers included Qhevihe Chishi Swu, Member, Collective Leadership; Zhehoto Awomi, Senior Kilonser; and Kihoyi Swu, Senior Kilonser. Intoli Achumi, Chairperson of NSWON, delivered a speech emphasizing unity and oneness, which was followed by a vote of thanks from Vitoi Zhimo, Deputy Kilonser.
In his address, Zhehoto Awomi passionately discussed recruitment practices during the tenure of Lt. Asu Isak Chishi Swu, highlighting the necessity of consulting with parents, village councils, and church authorities before enlisting individuals into the NSCN-IM government. He raised concerns about the current state of NSCN-IM, describing issues such as drug dealings and anti-social behavior that threaten its integrity. He urged attendees to prioritize their faith, uphold community responsibilities, and work diligently for societal betterment, emphasizing that financial gain should not compromise community values.
Kihoyi Swu, another Senior Kilonser, asserted that the Nagas are not Indians, stating that the Naga people were an independent nation even before India gained its independence. He urged participants not to succumb to the Indian government’s “Divide and Rule” policies, assuring them that the NSCN government has established deep-rooted connections in third countries for support.
Qhevihe Chishi Swu highlighted the significance of the Naga freedom movement and cautioned against Indian government tactics aimed at undermining Naga unity. He expressed concern about the Sumi Apex body remaining neutral regarding NSCN/GPRN-IM and called for renewed commitment to keep the Naga issue alive in peace talks.
The meeting commenced with an invocation by Rev. Nisheto Chishi, Pastor of the Shoixe Village Baptist Church, who read a passage from Ephesians 4:3, seeking divine guidance for the discussions. He also presented gifts to the esteemed leaders of the Sumi National Workers.
The introductory session featured warm welcomes from village leaders Kihito Zhimo, Huqheto Zhimo, and Mughaho Zhimo, followed by a cultural performance from the menfolk of Shoixe Village, who sang a special song titled “Lejole.”
