Sumi Civil Society Organisations during the Sumi Martyrs Day observed at Sumi Martyrs Park in Sukhalu Village on December 28. (Morung Photo)
Morung Express News
Zunheboto | December 28
The Sümi Hoho commemorated the 11th Sümi Martyrs Day at the Sumi Martyrs Park in Sukhalu Village on December 28. The event was held to honour the memory of those who sacrificed their lives during the December 2013 Siege of Mukalimi.
An update from the Sumi Hoho media cell stated that Sümi Martyrs' Day was established by the Sümi Hoho to honour the volunteers who lost their lives during the Siege of Mukalimi in December 2013. “The siege was a significant event where thousands of Sümi volunteers mobilized to demand justice following an incident involving the NSCN-IM. The confrontation resulted in casualties, leading to the declaration of December 28 as Sümi Martyrs' Day to remember the fallen,” it stated.
Nikheto Jimomi, Advisor and Former President of Sumi Hoho, delivered the keynote address. Jimomi emphasised the deep impact the sacrifices of these three individuals have had on the Sumi community. He noted that the battle, which claimed the lives of these martyrs, had solidified the Sumi people’s reputation as a warrior community. He also called for the women of the community, whom he referred to as 'Sulimi,' to come together to honor and narrate the stories of these martyrs. He urged respect and admiration for the sacrifices made, recognising that there are few in the world who have given their lives for such a noble cause.
A special prayer was offered by Shekito Swu, Pastor of Sukhalu Baptist Church, who prayed for the souls of those who sacrificed their lives for the greater good.
The event was attended by several prominent organizations, including the Sumi Hoho, Sumi Totimi Hoho, Sumi Youth Organizations, Sumi Totimi Loka Zunheboto, Zunheboto Range Students Union, Sumi Literature Board, Sumi Kukami Hoho, Sumi Kiphimi Kuqhakulu (SKK), Sumi Officers Union Zunheboto, All Nagaland Taxi Union Zunheboto Unit, and the Town GB Association of Zunheboto. A floral tribute was paid to the martyrs as a symbol of respect and remembrance.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Kikheto Muru, Vice President of the Sumi Hoho.
Earlier, the programme was chaired by Hotoshi Sema, General Secretary of the Sumi Hoho. The day began with a prayer by Rev Khuvihe from the Gethsemene Prayer Center. Following the prayer, Akavi Yeptho delivered a special presentation to highlight the significance of the day.
In a significant gesture, the Sumi Hoho community ambulance, funded under the MPLADS 2024-25, was officially flagged off during the event. The ambulance, donated by Supongmeren Jamir, MP, is a welcome addition to the community, aimed at enhancing healthcare services in the region.
