DIMAPUR, MAY 23 (NPN): Sümi Kukami Hoho (SKH), apex customary body representing the village Akukau of Sümi community, while acknowledging the statement issued by Government of the People’s Republic of Nagaland (GPRN) concerning the remarks made by minister G. Kaito Aye during the Sümi Kukami Baghi Hoho at Zunheboto, opined that the matter should be approached with wisdom, restraint and mutual respect in the greater interest of peace, understanding and unity among the people.
In a press note, SKH said that Akukau and customary institutions have always held an honourable place in Naga society, safeguarding traditions, customary laws, identity and the welfare of the people through generations.
Their contributions to society and the Naga political journey, it said, remain deeply respected and acknowledged.
It also recognised and respected the sacrifices and historical contributions made by Naga Political Groups (NPGs) and countless individuals throughout the Naga political journey. Stating that the aspiration of the Naga people has always been for an honourable, peaceful and united future, SKH said it has consistently encouraged unity, cooperation and mutual understanding among all NPGs, believing that the strength of the Naga people lies in collective responsibility and respect for one another.
Clarifying the context of the minister’s remarks, SKH said it should not be interpreted as urging hereditary Kukami or customary leaders to dissociate themselves from Naga Political Groups, adding that such an interpretation did not reflect the intended context of the remarks.
SKH said the concern expressed by the minister was centred on the practical responsibilities and obligations carried by Kukamis towards village administration, welfare, protection and day-to-day functioning of the community. It stated that village responsibilities demand constant presence, availability and active stewardship in addressing the needs and challenges of the people.
The hoho said the remarks sought to emphasize the importance of maintaining clarity and effectiveness in village kinship and customary responsibilities, while recognizing that simultaneously holding village responsibilities alongside demanding Naga political responsibilities may at times affect continuity, stability and responsiveness required in serving the village community.
SKH also took note of the various public reactions and discussions arising from recent remarks relating to filing of RTI applications, and considered it necessary to clarify the context and intention in which the remarks were made. SKH stated that the observations expressed during the discussion were not intended to undermine, curtail or override the democratic and legal rights guaranteed to citizens under the Right to Information framework.
Rather, it said the concern was centred over increasing misuse of RTI mechanisms by certain individuals for personal interests, pressure tactics, intimidation and private settlements, and activities that misuse legal provision for personal gains, which weaken the genuine purpose of transparency and public accountability.
SKH also stated that the remarks regarding seeking consultation or guidance from SKH should be understood in the context of promoting responsibility, community accountability and collective understanding on sensitive matters affecting society, and not as a mandatory condition imposed on citizens exercising lawful rights.
Further, SKH maintained that democratic rights must always be exercised with integrity, responsibility and genuine concern for public welfare rather than for personal or vested interests.
SKH also stated that public discussions on important social issues should be approached with maturity and fairness, without selectively misrepresenting statements in ways that could create unnecessary misunderstanding or division within society.
It maintained that differences in opinion should never become reasons for hostility or division among the people, adding that the strength of the Nagas has always rested upon dialogue, wisdom and mutual understanding, particularly while addressing sensitive issues affecting society.
The hoho further called upon all stakeholders, customary institutions, civil society organisations, public leaders and Naga Political Groups to continue working together with maturity, restraint and wisdom for the welfare of the people, dignity of institutions, unity among Naga family and a peaceful and honourable future for coming generations.
Meanwhile, the hoho extended heartfelt gratitude and sincere appreciation to all Sümi Kukami from different villages and regions who attended and participated in the Sümi Kukami Baghi Hoho held at Zunheboto, adding that their presence, unity, valuable contributions, and unwavering support reflected the collective strength, solidarity, and wisdom of the Sümi community.
Corrigendum: Apropos the statement “SKH clarifies Kaito Aye’s remarks” published on May 23, it is hereby clarified that certain portions of the report may not have fully reflected the intent and context of the original press release issued by the Sümi Kukami Hoho (SKH). The inadvertent error is sincerely regretted.