Morung Express News
Zunheboto | September 27 

The Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR) convened a landmark meeting in Zunheboto today, hosted by the Sümi Hoho at the Multi-Purpose Hall, in a major step toward fostering unity and reconciliation among Naga political and tribal leadership. The gathering brought together 15 Naga Political Groups (NPGs), 33 tribal hohos, and over 200 delegates, reflecting a strong collective commitment to the ongoing peace and reconciliation process.

The meeting was chaired by Rev Dr Ellen Konyak Jamir, a member of the FNR. It began with a prayer led by Rev Kughato K Chophi, Executive Secretary of the Sumi Baptist Akukuhou Kuqhalulu (SBAK) Nito Mount, and featured a special musical performance by Akheto and Inikali, adding a cultural and spiritual dimension to the occasion.

Addressing the gathering, Hetoho S Zhimomi, President of Sümi Kükami Hoho, spoke on behalf of the village chiefs. Highlighting the growing fatigue among grassroots communities over prolonged divisions and delays in the Naga political process, Zhimomi urged all political groups to come together at a single negotiating table. He called upon the Government of India to engage with the Nagas as a unified entity, rather than dealing with different groups separately. He stressed that continued fragmentation undermines the sacrifices of past generations and erodes public trust. Zhimomi urged the FNR and tribal leaders to pass a firm resolution demanding unity among all Naga political groups and to request collective engagement with the Indian government.

Dr Vihuto Asumi, President of Sümi Hoho, welcomed participants and described the occasion as an opportunity for reflection and renewed commitment to reconciliation. Observing that past approaches, such as general amnesty and defections, had not succeeded, Dr Asumi urged political groups to remain in their positions while collaborating on a common platform for a single solution.

He noted that the Naga struggle for recognition and self-determination has spanned nearly a century and emphasized that the people’s demand now is for practical unity and decisive progress rather than the creation of more factions or prolonged delays. He called upon all groups to set aside personal and organisational interests for the collective welfare of the Naga people.

The meeting also underscored the critical role of tribal hohos, including the Sumi Hoho, in supporting the reconciliation process. Though not directly involved in negotiations with the Government of India, the hohos have been instrumental in internal political dialogue and reform, working alongside political groups to foster broader societal cohesion. Delegates adopted a resolution emphasizing open dialogue, collective accountability, and continued engagement with all stakeholders, regardless of tribe, religion, or background. The resolution stressed the importance of inclusivity, noting that narrow or exclusive mindsets could hinder progress in Nagaland’s diverse society.

The FNR and tribal hohos also announced the formation of a Council for Naga Cooperation and Relationship (CNCR). This new body will work toward strengthening inter-tribal relationships and encourage political leaders to explore practical solutions to differences while moving forward together.

The meeting concluded with a shared recognition of the need for unified leadership and a renewed push for a dignified and inclusive resolution of the Naga political issue. Both Rev Dr Ellen Konyak Jamir and Dr Asumi reaffirmed the support of their organisations for initiatives promoting peace, reconciliation, and unity among the Naga people.

Dr Asumi commended the Sumi Hoho for its leadership and reiterated the appeal for all Naga political groups to heed the people’s call for unity and practical cooperation in addressing the Naga issue.
In 2025, the FNR has convened at least 15 reconciliation meetings.

ZUNHEBOTO RESOLUTION

Saturday, September 27, 2025

On September 27, 15 Naga Political Groups, 33 Naga Tribal Hohos and the Forum for Naga Reconciliation adopt this Zunheboto Resolution in the spirit of unity, and shared purpose towards keeping the Naga people together.

I. Resolution of appreciation

In solemn gratitude, the Naga Tribal Hohos, Naga Political Groups, the Public, and the Forum for Naga Reconciliation(FNR) extend our heartfelt appreciation to the Angami Public Organization, Ao Senden and the Sumi Hoho, along with their communities in Jotsoma, Ungma and Zunheboto, for their warm welcome and generous hospitality. Their graciousness and spirit of oneness of the Nagas deeply affirmed the shared longing for reconciliation and unity among the Naga people.

The Zunheboto meeting, in particular, deeply acknowledges the leadership of the Sumi Hoho President and the Executive team, whose steadfast commitment have helped illuminate the path toward a shared Naga political future. Their valuable efforts are deeply respected.

The gathering also acknowledges and appreciate the Government of India (GoI) for recognizing the “Uniqueness of Naga history, the right to self-determine our future in consonance with our distinct identity”. 

II. Resolution on the “Joint Naga Team” and the Naga machang

The Naga political journey is not the possession of a few, but the inheritance of every village, every clan, and every generation. It is this sacred and collective ownership that now calls us to a deeper responsibility.

Therefore, the Zunheboto meeting affirms the urgent need for all Naga civil and religious bodies to come together in support of the Naga Machang under the Council of Naga Cooperation and Relationship (CNCR). The Naga Machang is the common ground for all Nagas to unite on the basis of the historical and political rights and this is not merely an administrative task, it is a moral summon to unity with the resolve to judiciously act without delay.

The NPGs are urged to come together under one Machang without further delay and infuse life into the Naga Machang for collective pursuit of an inclusive solution. The CNCR shall continue to work towards bringing all the NPGs with renewed vigor.

III. Resolution on genuine forgiveness and cooperation among all Nagas

With the signing of the Covenant of Naga Reconciliation, factional violence has stopped and given new hope to the Naga people. This Zunheboto meeting acknowledges the genuineness and sincerity of the Naga Political Groups and their expressed desire for reconciliation. For reconciliation to result in a relationship of cooperation, we call for genuine forgiveness among the Naga Political Groups, between Naga Tribal Hohos and across all sections of the Naga people. We declare that a Naga shared future is possible only through forgiveness and mutual respect. The Zunheboto meeting calls for all Naga Political Groups and Naga Tribal Hohos to initiate processes of forgiveness within and among themselves so that Naga cooperation is achieved. 

IV. Resolution to request prayer
Recognizing the spiritual dimension of our journey, the Zunheboto meeting requests all Church and religious bodies of all faiths across Naga areas to hold prayer sessions at their convenience during the month of October 2025.

These prayers shall be offered for wisdom, healing, and courage as we walk together toward reconciliation and renewal. May the sacred silence of prayer become the ground from which new hope arises.