Advisor to the Chief Minister of Nagaland and Chairman IDAN, Abu Metha speaks during the second day of the Hornbill Extension 2025 in Zunheboto on December 5. (DIPR Photo)
Zunheboto, December 7 (MExN): The three-day Hornbill Extension 2025 in Zunheboto on showcased the cultural heritage of the Sumi Naga community.
On December 5, Advisor to the Chief Minister of Nagaland, Chairman IDAN, Vice President of the Athletics Federation of India, and Secretary General of the Nagaland Olympic Association, Abu Metha, attended the event as Special Guest.
Former Minister Y Vikheho Swu, TaFMA Chairman Theja Meru, and Rusemtong Longkumer, PRO to the Chief Minister & Working President NPF, were also present.
According to the State DIPR, Metha acknowledged the Sumi community’s historical contributions and highlighted prominent leaders such as Isak Chishi Swu and Hokishe Sema.
He noted achievements of Indian Army para-athlete Hokato Hotozhe Sema, a 2024 Paris Paralympics bronze medallist and Arjuna Award recipient.
Metha described the Hornbill Festival as a platform for cultural exchange and encouraged youth participation in promoting “Brand Nagaland.”
DC Zunheboto, Dharam Raj appreciated the festival’s role in promoting the state and praised the Sumi Youth Organisation (SYO) for their organisation.
SYO President Advocate Hikavi H. Kinimi emphasised cultural preservation and community engagement, while Adv. Vinnoka Achumi chaired the session.
Cultural presentations included a harmony performance by Living Voice, a showcase titled “The Heritage & Heart of Native Sumi Naga Tribe” by Lilika Achumi, and the traditional Sumi folk dance Aphilo Kuwo performed by Aghunato Village. Winners of the Apukhu Kiti competitions were also announced.
Meanwhile, Office of the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) and the District Hospital, Zunheboto set up a dedicated health stall offering a range of free medical services to visitors throughout the three day event from December 4-6.
District Programme Manager (DPM), Zunheboto, Rosemary Vitoli, highlighted that free screenings for blood pressure (BP), blood sugar, malaria, and HIV were conducted for the public as part of the health outreach initiative.
She informed that twenty beneficiaries were screened for sugar and hypertension. Two nurses and one emergency doctor were deployed at the stall throughout the three days of the festival. Two individuals who sustained injuries during Apukhu Kiti a traditional, indigenous martial sport of the Sumi Naga tribe were also provided medical treatment.
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