Sümi Hoho reiterates January 13 resolution of tribal hohos

DIMAPUR: The Sümi Hoho (SH) has reiterated the January 13, 2023 resolution of the tribal hohos of Nagaland that, “Any organisation claiming to represent and stand for the interest of the Nagas, should be routed and mandated through the tribal apex bodies.”

The Sümi Hoho in a press release also reminded that it had recalled Sümi Totimi Hoho, an apex Sümi women’s body, from the Naga Mothers’ Association (NMA) on February 4, 2017 “as it was evident that NMA has lost its direction and the Sümi Hoho felt that the good image and role of the STH should never be compromised whatsoever.”

However, the SH alleged that even after being denounced by the tribal bodies, few individuals, on the pretext of fighting for women’s rights, are diluting the social fabric which, the hoho said, is unacceptable.

Stating that Nagaland is a state uniquely created out of political compulsion with special provisions to safeguard the indigenous social and customary practices, Sümi Hoho affirmed that along with the tribal hohos of Nagaland, it firmly stands to protect the rights and identity of the Nagas.

“Sümi Hoho strongly propagates and stands for women empowerment. We are not averse to women reservation exercise, provided it is time bound. There should be no discrimination, be it men or women.

“The Hoho will be happy to see more Naga women, not only in Municipal and Town Committees, but in the state and national level playing active politics,” it stated.

While applauding the Government of Nagaland for inviting tribal hohos and civil society organisations in consultations on contentious issues, the Sümi Hoho further urged upon the government to desist from recognising “un-mandated organisations and those organisations beyond the state of Nagaland to discuss the issues pertaining to the state of Nagaland.”

Pochury Hoho directs PMA to dissociate from NMA

The Pochury Hoho (PH) has directed the Pochury Mothers’ Association (PMA) to immediately disassociate from NMA till such time all agree to come together in the interest of the Nagas.

The Pochury Hoho in a press release stated that the hoho along with its frontal organisations including PMA held a coordination meet on March 23, 2023 and thoroughly discussed on Nagaland Municipal Act 2001 and ULB issue.

“The Pochury Hoho in tune with the rest of the Naga tribal Hobos is not against the 33% Women Reservation on ULB. However, Pochury Hoho is apprehensive that if amendment of the Nagaland Municipal Act, 2001 is not done, infringement of Article 371 (A) which protects the rights and privileges of the Naga Customary Laws and tradition would be breached,” the hoho stated.

Expressing appreciation to the state government for repealing the Nagaland Municipal Act, 2001, PH however termed the “imbroglio created by NMA” with respect to ULB issue under the umbrella of People’s Union for Civil Liberation (PUCL) as unfortunate and against the common interest of the Nagas.

“We also like to issue a clarification that any individual speaking or releasing any press statement in support of NMA’s agenda from our community with respect to ULB is doing in their own individual capacity and does not reflect the stand of the Pochuries,” it stated.