Petitioners in the civil suit challenging the election of Sümi Hoho president have decided to withdraw the case following a joint consultative meeting of the Sümi Legislators’ Forum (SLF), Sümi frontal organisations and petitioners held on April 13 at Pahari Lodge, Kohima, under the leadership of minister for Roads & Bridges and SLF convenor G. Kaito Aye.
The meeting was convened by Kaito to facilitate dialogue and arrive at an amicable understand-ing, with focus on unity, reconciliation and safeguarding the interests of the Sümi community, in connection with the 2025 civil suit Abel & 6 Others vs Dr. Vihuto Assümi & Anr.
According to a statement issued by Sümi Youth Organisation (SYO) media cell, after extensive deliberations, the house unanimously resolved that the petitioners would withdraw the civil suit against the president and office of Sümi Hoho in the interest of the Sumi community and spirit of unity and reconciliation.
It was also resolved that the proposals submitted by the petitioners would be placed before Sümi Hoho for consideration and necessary amendments.
Earlier, SYO president Hikavi H. Kinimi, in his keynote address, appreciated the role of the youth body in steering the parties towards a mutually acceptable resolution while underscoring the need to uphold Sümi identity and institutional integrity.
The business session, moderated by Kohima Sümi Hoho president Shiwoto Wotsa, witnessed deliberations by representatives of Sümi frontal organisations led by Sümi Kükami Hoho presi-dent Hetoho S. Zhimo.
The petitioners presented their concerns regarding certain provisions of the Sümi Hoho Constitution and expressed willingness to withdraw the civil suit in the larger in-terest of the community.
A detailed presentation on the Sümi Hoho Constitution was delivered by district & sessions judge, Zunheboto, Phuleto Yepthomi, highlighting relevant provisions and areas for possible amendments. Advisor to Sümi Hoho, I. Nikheto Zhimo, reiterated the institution’s commitment to its constitutional framework while remaining open to constructive suggestions.
During the address session, legislators including Er. Picto Shohe, Hekani Jakhalu, G. Ikuto Zhimomi, Dr. Sukhato A. Sema and deputy speaker S. Toiho Yeptho commended the spirit of dialogue, terming it a significant achievement and progressive step towards unity and progress of Sumi tribe.
In his concluding remarks, minister and convenor SLF G Kaito Aye appreciated all participants and reaffirmed the Forum’s commitment to peace and unity and overall interest of the Sumi community. He further called upon all concerned to implement the resolutions in both letter and spirit.
The house placed on record its appreciation to SLF and its convenor, G. Kaito Aye, for initiating the process and facilitating reconciliation. It also acknowledged SYO for coordinating the groundwork for the meeting.
Further, the house commended the petitioners and Sümi frontal organisations for their maturity, goodwill and willingness to arrive at a mutual understanding and withdraw the case in the spirit of reconciliation and unity.
The meeting concluded with a benediction, marking a significant step towards reconciliation and strengthened unity within the Sümi community.
Earlier, the programme began with an invocation by Rev. Dr. Kiyeto Sema, followed by welcome address by Kaito Aye, who emphasised collective responsibility in resolving community issues.
