Eastern Nagaland tribes reaffirm decision not to participate in Hornbill Festival

Dimapur, Dec. 1 (EMN): The Eastern Sumi Hoho, the apex body of the Sumi tribe of eastern Nagaland, has appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to uphold its desire to continue living under the jurisdiction of the present Nagaland state in the event of the Eastern Nagaland Peoples’ Organisation’s (ENPO) demand of Frontier Nagaland being considered by the government of India.

Asserting that the right to life and personal liberty is a fundamental right guaranteed to all the citizens of India, it stated, ‘Our choice to remain with the present Nagaland state is to be respected and honoured in the event the ENPO demand being considered by the government of India.’

Historically, the Sumi tribe has existed in eastern Nagaland since time immemorial encompassing both political and social scenario from the time it was un-administered region, it said.

‘The Eastern Sumi tribe was free from outsiders’ control as well as unconquered even during the British era and continued under the administration of Tuensang Frontier Division of the then North Eastern Frontier Area (NEFA 1945-1956) and Naga Hill Tuensang Area (NHTA 1957-1962) under Tuensang district from the formation of Nagaland state in 1963 till date,’ it said.

Further, 26 villages under Aghunato area of the then NHTA (Tuensang district) were bifurcated and placed under Mokokchung district in Zunheboto sub-division (now Zunheboto district).

‘The status of the rest of the Sumi tribe in eastern Nagaland remains unchanged and we have been co-inhabitants of the region with other tribes,’ it stated.

“Today, in the ENPO demand for Frontier Nagaland Statehood, Sumi tribe of eastern Nagaland populace census, topography, demography are being incorporated in their demand submitted to the government of India,” read the statement.

However, the eastern Sumi populace under the banner of Eastern Sumi Hoho during the general public meeting held on Oct.25 at Nikiye village in Kiphire district unanimously resolved that it would continue to exist under the jurisdiction of the present Nagaland state ‘socially, economically, politically and administratively’, it added.