Upper Assam Sumi community leaders and church leaders consisting of six villages celebrated Ahuna, the post-harvest festival, on November 16 at Namchik River, Arunachal Pradesh.
According to DIPR report, commissioner and secretary, Law & Justice, Fisheries & Aquatic Resources, Y. Kikheto Sema, graced the celebration as special guest.
In his speech, Kikheto reminded the Sümi community of Upper Assam, how the Britishers had trusted on their forefathers and placed them in this territory way back in 1882, recruited them in Assam Railway and Trading company limited, engaging them in clearing the jungle of Digboi Oil Refinery.
They also participated in Anglo-Abor war (1850s-1912) and construction of Steel Well Road 1942-1944 during World War-II (Ledo to Kunming, China). Kikheto said because of their hard work and bravery, the British Administration awarded the land and thus the first village Longtong (Atuphu) was established in 1904. Following which eight more villages were established even before Indian Independence in this territory.
The Sumi community survived without basic needs such as road, electricity, schools and health care with patience and tolerance and because of their sacrifice, the community are celebrating the Ahuna festival today.
He encouraged the Sümi community to maintain peaceful co-existence among themselves and advised them to be the ambassador of peace for the Nagas and Sümi in particular with communities of Assam and Arunachal Pradesh.
Kikheto was accompanied by executive secretary WSBAK, Rev. Dr. Phughoto Sema, elders of SBC Kohima. ADC Miao, R D Thungon, Circle Officer Mio, and Nawang, Circle Officer Vijaynagar, Chownien, Arunachal Pradesh.