Kohima Sümi new cemetery in shelf system

Our Correspondent
Kohima | June 11

Kohima Sümi new cemetery in shelf system was inaugurated at Keyake, BSF Camp colony, Kohima on June 11. 

It was inaugurated by Y Kikheto Sema, Agriculture Production Commissioner, Nagaland, after dedicatory prayer by Rev Dr G Kiyeto Sema. In his speech, Kikheto thanked each and every individual for their support and contribution towards the construction.

Kohima Sümi Hoho, President, Khevito T Shohe informed that the first phase of the project involved over Rs 1 crore. Kelhousetuo Rutsa, chairman P Khel Council, Kohima village also delivered short speech.

The programme was chaired by Kohima Sümi Hoho, Vice President, Vixepu Swu while vote of thanks was proposed by Kohima Sümi Hoho, General Secretary, Shivito Wotsa.

Mentionably, the land for Sumi Cemetery Kohima was donated by KL Chishi, former Chief Minister of Nagaland, to Kohima Sümi Hoho in 1989 for use as graveyard for Sümis living at Kohima. Slowly it started fast losing its free space due to traditional burial practice.

“We came under pressure to look for new areas to use for the same purpose but nowhere land was available. At this point, a new thinking process started to introduce the present shelf system in order to accommodate more numbers in a compact manner,” stated Kohima Sümi Hoho.

The present Kohima Sümi Hoho office bearers under the president of Khevito T Shohe had to seek technical help to get the modern touch and also to get aesthetic looks for which it engaged two civil engineers Er Viwoka Zhimo and Er T Saku Keyho and one lady architect Vinika Swu. The work was supervised by Akheto Achumi Secretary (Cemetery) Kohima Sümi Hoho.

The newly constructed cemetery has 165 chambers.

The structure is not ordinarily made. All technical care was taken with direct and constant supervision of experts to give it longevity.

For maintenance, a full time Chowkidar family is employed with proper accommodation facilities provided near the cemetery.

The place has now been converted into a friendly environment due to its looks added by a decent neighborhood whose support was immense and without which we would not have come this far, stated Kohima Sümi Hoho.

Stating that a number of visitors have started coming to see this place, Kohima Sümi Hoho called upon all sections of the people to start introducing similar practices “as we will never have sufficient land to accommodate the departed souls with honour.”

Meanwhile, Kohima Sümi Hoho expressed gratitude to all individuals, churches and organizations who have contributed towards the construction of this new cemetery.