Sümi Legislators’ Forum meeting in Kohima sees petitioners agree to withdraw civil suit, boosting unity and reconciliation efforts.
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DIMAPUR — A joint consultative meeting of the Sümi Legislators’ Forum (SLF) with Sümi frontal organisations and the petitioners in connection with the civil suit titled ‘Abel & 6 Others Vs Dr. Vihuto Assümi & Anr,’ was convened at Pahari Lodge, Kohima, on April 13, under the leadership of G Kaito Aye, minister for roads & bridges, also convenor of Sümi Legislators Forum.
According to a press release issued by the Sümi Youth Organisation (SYO), the meeting was organised under Kaito’s initiative and guidance, with the objective of facilitating dialogue and arriving at a mutually acceptable understanding in the larger interest of the Sümi community.
In his welcome address, Kaito emphasised the importance of unity, reconciliation, and collective responsibility in addressing matters concerning the community.
A keynote address was delivered by Hikavi H. Kinimi, president of the SYO, who lauded the role of the youth body in guiding the parties towards a mutually acceptable resolution in the larger interest of the community. He also reaffirmed the importance of upholding Sümi identity, unity, and the institutional integrity of the community.
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The business session was moderated by Shiwoto Wotsa, president of Kohima Sümi Hoho.
During the session, representatives of the Sümi frontal organisations, led by Akükau Hetoho S Zhimo, president, Sümi Kükami Hoho, shared their perspectives and underscored the importance of maintaining unity and institutional integrity.
The petitioners, in their submissions, articulated their concerns regarding certain provisions of the Sümi Hoho Constitution and placed their proposals before the House.
The petitioners expressed their willingness to withdraw the civil suit in the larger interest of Sümi community.
A comprehensive presentation on the Sümi Hoho Constitution was delivered by Phuleto Yepthomi, District & Sessions Judge, Zunheboto, elucidating the relevant constitutional provisions and highlighting areas where amendments may be considered.
This was followed by an address on behalf of Sümi Hoho by I Nikheto Zhimo, advisor to Sümi Hoho, who reiterated the institution’s commitment to its constitutional framework while remaining receptive to constructive proposals.
Following extensive deliberations and consultations among all stakeholders, the house unanimously adopted a set of resolutions in the larger interest of the Sümi community and in the spirit of unity and reconciliation.
The petitioners resolved to withdraw the civil suit instituted against the president of Sümi Hoho and its office, signalling a collective commitment to restore harmony within the community.
The house also resolved that the proposals submitted by the petitioners would be formally placed before the Sümi Hoho for deliberation, including consideration of any necessary amendments to the constitution.
The address session featured speeches by legislators, including Picto Shohe, MLA; Hekani Jakhalu, Advisor for Industries & Commerce; G Ikuto Zhimomi, Advisor for Land Resources; Dr. Sukhato A Sema, MLA; and S Toiho Yeptho, Deputy Speaker of NLA.
They commended the spirit of dialogue and cooperation that defined the meeting, terming it a significant achievement and a progressive step towards unity and collective progress for the Sümi tribe.
In his concluding remarks, the SLF convenor expressed his appreciation to all participants for their constructive engagement and reaffirmed the Forum’s commitment to uphold peace, unity and the overall interest of the Sümi people. He further called upon all concerned to implement the resolutions in both letter and spirit.
The house also placed on record its appreciation to the SLF for the noble initiative and tireless efforts towards facilitating reconciliation and an amicable settlement of the matter.
Equal appreciation was extended to the SYO for diligently coordinating all the groundwork that made the meeting possible.
The house further commended the petitioners and all Sümi frontal organisations for their maturity, goodwill and willingness to arrive at a mutual understanding to withdraw the case from the civil court in the true spirit of reconciliation and unity.