Dimapur, July 24 (MExN): Reacting to the Western Sumi Hoho’s earlier ultimatum to dismantle “war gates” in Beisumpuikam village, the Zeliangrong Baudi today responded by stating that “Beisumpuikam village is not a 19th century fortification or army barrack.” A note from the ‘baudi’ was received here today.
“Beisumpuikam village is not a 19th century fortification or army barrack for the Western Sumi Hoho to stamp the village gate to be a ‘War Gate’. This has given a wrong message that the government should use force to remove the gate for the Sumi tribes to invade the village,” the ‘baudi’ stated in its response, appended by president K Akhang and vice president Raitu Elu. The ‘Sumi Hoho’ should maintain and respect the territorial integrity and dignity of the Zeliangrong tribes, the ‘baudi’ stated.
“Our tribal customs and traditions cannot be questioned by any other tribe. It is up to every Naga village to erect a gate and it is not a matter of concern for the government. Every Naga village is a republic with its own customs and traditions,” the Zeliangrong organization reminded.
“Beisumpuikam is a recognized village and it inherits the lineage of its parent village of Beisumpui. Beisumpui is the landowner of Ntangki National Park,” the ‘baudi’ declared in response.
Neither the state government nor any entity is “entitled to sanction or dismantle” a rightfully erected gate of any village, as it is a part of Naga custom and tradition, the note said.
“Western Sumi Hoho should respect and value the Zeliangrong traditions as we have for them. WSH is bound to apologize for the disrespect and dishonor expressed on the customs and tradition of the Nagas by calling the village gate as ‘War Gate’. Let us all respect each other’s custom and tradition and the law of the land,” the Zeliangrong Baudi added.
“Beisumpuikam village is not a 19th century fortification or army barrack for the Western Sumi Hoho to stamp the village gate to be a ‘War Gate’. This has given a wrong message that the government should use force to remove the gate for the Sumi tribes to invade the village,” the ‘baudi’ stated in its response, appended by president K Akhang and vice president Raitu Elu. The ‘Sumi Hoho’ should maintain and respect the territorial integrity and dignity of the Zeliangrong tribes, the ‘baudi’ stated.
“Our tribal customs and traditions cannot be questioned by any other tribe. It is up to every Naga village to erect a gate and it is not a matter of concern for the government. Every Naga village is a republic with its own customs and traditions,” the Zeliangrong organization reminded.
“Beisumpuikam is a recognized village and it inherits the lineage of its parent village of Beisumpui. Beisumpui is the landowner of Ntangki National Park,” the ‘baudi’ declared in response.
Neither the state government nor any entity is “entitled to sanction or dismantle” a rightfully erected gate of any village, as it is a part of Naga custom and tradition, the note said.
“Western Sumi Hoho should respect and value the Zeliangrong traditions as we have for them. WSH is bound to apologize for the disrespect and dishonor expressed on the customs and tradition of the Nagas by calling the village gate as ‘War Gate’. Let us all respect each other’s custom and tradition and the law of the land,” the Zeliangrong Baudi added.
