Sümi community commemorated the 11th Sümi Martyrs’ Day on December 28, at the Sümi Martyrs’ Park in Sukhalu village, Zunheboto district.
According to Sumi Hoho media cell, the event was organized by Sümi Hoho to honor the memory of those who sacrificed their lives during the December 2013 Siege of Mukalimi.
Delivering key note address, Dr. Vihuto Asumi, president of Sümi Hoho, emphasized the significance of the day in preserving the community’s history and honoring the martyrs’ sacrifices.
Sümi Hoho advisor, Nikheto Jimomi, delivered a speech reflecting on the martyrs’ legacy.
Meanwhile, on the occasion, “Sümi Hoho Ambulance Service,” donated by Lok Sabha MP S. Supongmeren Jamir was flagged off by Nikheto Jimomi.
The program commenced with an invocation by Rev. Khuvihe of Gethsemane Prayer Centre. Floral tributes were offered by various organizations and relatives of the three martyrs, fol-lowed by a special song by Akavi Yeptho.
A prayer for the martyrs and Sümi leaders was led by pastor Shekito Swu of Sukhalu Baptist Church. The event concluded with a vote of thanks from Kikheto Muru.
It may be noted that Sümi Martyrs’ Day was established by the Sümi Hoho to honor the vol-unteers who lost their lives during the Siege of Mukalimi in December 2013. The siege was a significant event where thousands of Sümi volunteers mobilized to demand justice following an incident involving the NSCN (I-M).
The confrontation resulted in casualties, leading to the declaration of December 28 as Sümi Martyrs’ Day to remember the fallen.
Over the years, the Sümi community has observed this day with various programs, including memorial services, speeches, and cultural performances, to pay homage to the martyrs and re-flect on the community’s resilience and unity.