Nagaland chief minister Neiphiu Rio Wednesday called upon the Sumi community to be warriors of unity, peace, reconciliation and all-round development and play a leading role in bringing permanent peace.
Addressing the Ahuna cum Mini Hornbill Festival at Zunheboto, Rio acknowledged that Sumi warriors were known for their bravery and recalled that in his earlier tenure as chief minister, he had named Zunheboto as the ‘Land of Warriors’.
“You are special, you are hardworking. The story of the Sema Naga Labour Corps 1917-18 is known to all Nagas. Out of about 2000 Labour Corps, about half of that were Sumis. This means you are warriors, adventurous and hard working,” Rio said and appreciated the contributions of the Sumis to the Naga society.
According to him, the meaning of Ahuna as displayed by various cultural troupes indicated that it was a post harvest festival, which signified that “our forefathers were hard-working, worked hard throughout the year and celebrated the festival”.
So, it was a reminder to the present generation that one had to work to eat, he added.
He reminded the people that Centre has already recognized Naga history as unique and the Naga issue was a political issue which needed political settlement. He called upon the people to ensure that the rich cultural heritage, traditions etc. are not only preserved but promoted so that the younger generations do not lose touch with history.
Keeping these in mind, he said the PDA government decided to hold mini Hornbills in the districts coinciding with the respective tribal festivals so that true meaning can be brought to the phrase ‘Nagaland – Land of Festivals’.
Stating that he was happy to learn that there were different species of butterflies found in Zunheboto district, Rio urged the people to conserve them so that the district could become a tourist destination. Calling for preservation of the environment to check climate change, Rio stated that the state government decided to ban the use of ‘Single Use Plastics’.
With regard to the request of Sumi Hoho for a multipurpose indoor stadium at Zunheboto, Rio assured to construct the stadium and called for collective effort of Zunheboto’s Sumi legislators and the people.
Earlier, greetings were conveyed agriculture and cooperation minister G Kaito Aye, who also welcomed all the dignitaries present at the festival. Others who spoke at the function included Toniho Yeptho, president Nagaland Tribes Council; Zheshito Swu, president Western Sumi Hoho while the vote of thanks was delivered by Shanawaz C, IAS, DC Zunheboto. The significance of Ahuna was explained by Ghovito Jimo, president, Sumi Kukami Hoho. Rio was accompanied by host of legislators and officials.
Highlights of the event included cultural presentations and choreography by schools, colony representatives and villages.