Nagaland: Xukiye village marks 25th anniversary; call for recognition

Xukiye Village celebrated its 25th anniversary on January 29–30, commemorating 25 years since its establishment in 2001 under the theme “Ampeu-u tokulu kighiche kumula sheshini” (1 Peter 2:9).
The occasion, however, was marked not only by jubilation but also by concern, as the village remains unrecognised by the Government of Nagaland even after 25 years of existence.
Speaking at the programme, the founder of Xukiye Village highlighted the long-standing challenges faced by the community. He lamented that despite being one among 22 villages in the Northern Sumi area, Xukiye has not received government benefits due to its unrecognised status. “For the last 25 years, we have lived without basic government support. Till today, our village has not been officially recognised, and we remain uncertain about our future,” he said, urging prayers and hope that the Jubilee would bear fruit.
Dr. Vihuto Asumi, president of Sumi Hoho, in his greetings, spoke on the richness of Sumi land and the God-given strength, courage and intellect of the Sumi people. He stressed that lack of unity continues to hinder progress, noting, “If we put all these strengths together, we will flourish.”
Dr. Asumi revealed that there are around 400 recognised and unrecognised villages spread across eight districts of Nagaland, besides five to six Sumi villages in Arunachal Pradesh.
He pointed out that the Sema community in Manipur is a recognised tribe and cited Vekuho and Asukhomi villages, which have celebrated their 200-year jubilees, as examples of long-established settlements.
Addressing the Jubilee, Dr. Asumi described the celebration of both church and village jubilees as a blessing. He emphasised the importance of education and hard work, cautioning against church divisions in small villages. He urged villages with schools to provide accommodation for teachers to nurture future generations.
Highlighting the spiritual significance of the Jubilee, he said it was a time for forgiveness and faithfulness, while reminding that unity with other tribes was equally important. On the issue of recognition, he said Sumi Hoho has been working to build strong inter-tribal relationships, particularly in the Tikhir Yumkhum and Northern Sumi areas, to push for recognition.
However, he noted that the government has temporarily closed recognition of new villages ahead of the 2027 Census. He also mentioned the adoption of the honorific title Akükau for village chiefs instead of GB.
Dr. Asumi further urged unity under one umbrella, acceptance of constructive criticism, and cautioned against selling ancestral land. He reminded villagers of the sacrifices made by pioneers and stressed the importance of preserving ownership.
Akükau Vikato Khüjümi of Asukho village also spoke on the urgent need for recognition of Sumi villages and sought assistance from Sumi Hoho, reiterating that the Jubilee was a time to forgive and forget past differences.
Field Supervisor NSBAK, Vihoto T. Tuccu, shared the Word of God and prayed for the village, emphasising unity and blessings for future generations.
Earlier, the programme was chaired by Tohoni M. Kiba, Associate Women Pastor. Invocation was offered by former pastor Khesheli Chophi, while the Jubilee Choir and villagers presented special performances. The welcome note was delivered by the village founder, Bible reading by Qhevili, women pastor of Khuheto village, vote of thanks by Avito Chophy, Convenor of the Jubilee Planning Board, and benediction by pastor Khekheto Yeptho of Amboto New Village.