Thousands unite for 29th Chakhesang-Sumi Brotherhood celebration in Pfütsero

The town of Pfutsero in Phek district witnessed an extraordinary gathering of unity and tradition today, as thousands of Chakhesang and Sumi people came together to celebrate the 29th Chakhesang-Sumi Brotherhood. The event, marked by a symbolic brotherhood march from Pfütsero Public Ground to Baptist Theological College Ground, radiated a sense of commitment to unite among Nagas.

Dignitaries including Minister of Roads and Bridges G Kaito Aye, MLA Küzholuzo Nienü, Advisor KT Sukhalu, Advisor Tovihoto Ayemi, Advisor Kudecho Khamo and many other prominent Chakhesang and Sumi legislators joined apex tribal bodies, church leaders, and representatives from the Chakhesang Public Organisation and Sumi Hoho in the celebration.

Minister G Kaito Aye emphasized the critical need for unity among Nagas. “Without unity, there is no strength,” he said, urging the gathering to remain faithful to their politics and work towards eradicating electoral corruption. Stressing that the Chakhesang-Sumi brotherhood was not meant to alienate others, he highlighted the importance of creating avenues for collective progress. “Now is a time for Nagas to unite,” he declared.

MLA Küzholuzo Nienü echoed these sentiments, calling the brotherhood a divine reminder of shared bonds. “God is reminding us that we are brothers, not telling us that we are brothers,” he said. Reflecting on the enduring 29 years of the brotherhood, he expressed hope for a future where such unity could be a platform to address the long-awaited Naga political issue with truth and purpose. “Nagas are hopelessly divided at the moment. Our duty must be to bring them together,” he added.

A powerful moment of the event was the exchange of traditional shawls and certificates between the Sumi and Chakhesang Gazetted Officers’ Associations. Y Kikheto Sema (IAS) led this symbolic ceremony, presenting traditional Sumi shawls to the Chakhesang Gazetted Officers’ Association. The gesture, witnessed by community leaders and stakeholders, reaffirmed the enduring bond between the two tribes.

During the celebration, key resolutions were adopted to solidify the brotherhood’s foundations and expand its horizons. A joint literature committee was established to document the history of the Chakhesang-Sumi Brotherhood. A proposal was made to dedicate the Set-Zu/Yeti River to Zunheboto two-lane road as a “Sumi-Chakhesang Brotherhood Road,” reinforcing their shared identity. It was resolved to hold coordination meetings between the Chakhesang Gazetted Officers’ Association and the Sumi Officers’ Union to deepen ties at an intellectual level. The brotherhood meeting will now be held every three years. A commitment was made to resolve all inter-tribal village disputes and work towards the common aspirations of like-minded tribes.

The event also acknowledged the broader fraternity of Nagas, with MLA Nienü affirming the inclusion of the Angami tribe in the bond. “Angami, Chakhesang, and Sumis are brothers,” he said, stressing the need to bring Naga tribes closer together.

MT