Advisor for Food and Civil Supplies KT Sukhalu urges Sumi students to build community's future.
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DIMAPUR — The inaugural session of second day of 52nd biennial general conference of the All Sumi Students' Union (SKK) on January 29 was attended by Advisor for Food and Civil Supplies, KT Sukhalu, as the chief guest.
The chief guest unveiled the monolith of the biennial general conference, hoisted the SKK flag, and led the honouring of the SKK anthem at Satoi town, Zunheboto district.
In his address, Sukhalu, former SKK president (1977-79), recalled approaching then CM Vizol Angami to be chief guest at Satoi in Jan 1979, during his presidency.
He expressed delight at participating in the conference at Satoi once again, extending gratitude to Minister G Kaito Aye for hosting this historic three-day event.
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Addressing unemployment and the intense competition in today's Naga society, Sukhalu encouraged students to take inspiration from pioneers like Avito Kiba, who immensely contributed to advancing academics among the Sumi tribe.
He suggested that SKK formally acknowledge Kiba's pioneering role in the educational progress of the Sumi community.
“Tomorrow, the future is yours—so commit to building the Sumi community,” he said, and also called on Sumi elders to recognise that the future can only be secured through quality education, not earthly possessions, emphasising that today's youth are the hope for tomorrow.
Sukhalu further emphasised preserving Sumi culture and promoting handicrafts for youth livelihood. He urged young people to be disciplined and self-reliant.
Sumi Hoho president Dr. Vihuto Asümi, Dr. Vihuto Assümi highlighted SKK's role in producing leaders and urged attendees to uphold this legacy, citing former -SKK president KT Sukhalu as an example.
Addressing educational challenges, Dr. Assümi emphasised that while other communities advance in education, many Sumi individuals have been sidelined due to involvement in the Naga national movement, leaving the tribe underrepresented at bureaucratic levels.
He urged the student community to embrace these challenges, pursuing education alongside opportunities in bureaucracy.
Additionally, he stressed that every conference must yield tangible outcomes, with students taking the lead. He advised limiting expenditures on event management to prioritise positive results and commended the theme ‘Revitalising traditional values’ as a timely call for reflection and practical action.
Mteisuding Heraang, president of the Naga Students' Federation (NSF), in his greetings, stated, “History will record how the SKK protest helped preserve and protect Naga identity.”
The NSF president lauded the Sumi community as “one of the strongest backbones and a true pillar for both the Naga people and the Naga Students' Federation.”
Heraang recalled that the draconian Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) was enforced at Satoi, leading to the loss of innocent lives during a peaceful assembly, and noted that this event had fuelled the Naga people's aspirations for political rights.
He called on the student community to respect and protect the NSF as the apex organization, working together to preserve and protest for Naga identity.
Lamenting current divisions, he questioned, “We talk about unity, but how practically can we unite the Naga people? It is sad that multiple Naga political groups fight for the same goal. Now is the time to unite for the strength of the Naga people. True strength lies in connecting all Nagas—not dividing by region or tribe, but standing as one Naga people.”
Further, warning of the growing influx into the state, he said, “We must take proactive steps to protect our land and identity, or the next generation of Nagas will suffer.”