Bureaucrat Kikheto Sema urges Nagas to ‘make peace, not pieces’ at Ahuna Festival in Pughoboto

DIMAPUR — Expressing concern over the growing division in the Naga society, especially the tendency to criticise and discredit leaders on social media, principal secretary to the Government of Nagaland, Y Kikheto Sema, has appealed to embrace reconciliation and harmony.

Speaking at the Ahuna celebration in Pughoboto town on Thursday on the theme “Bound by history, bridging generations,” Kikheto urged the Nagas to ‘make peace, not pieces.’ The event is being organised by Sümi Hoho and hosted by Sümi Aphuyemi frontal organisations with support from the Department of Tourism.

Kikheto, who was the special guest of the celebration, reminded the gathering that the Ahuna festival, the most significant celebration of the Sümi Nagas, is a culmination of hard work, perseverance and agricultural labour. He underscored that such festivals are not merely occasions of feasting and joy but also a celebration of human effort and the dignity of work, urging the community to preserve those values as central to Sümi identity.

He advised the students never to replace hard work with shortcuts, noting that genuine success could only be achieved through discipline, perseverance and integrity. Drawing a parallel to faith, he cited the life of Jesus Christ as the perfect example of endurance and humility, a life marked by steadfast commitment even in the face of rejection and trials.

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Highlighting the strategic and geographical position of the Sümi region, he observed that the Sumis, being centrally located in Nagaland and sharing boundaries with almost all major Naga tribes, are in a unique position to build bridges of friendship and understanding. He described as both a privilege and a responsibility to promote unity among all Nagas.

Commending the leadership of Dr. Vihuto Asumi, president of Sümi Hoho, Kikheto lauded the organisation for its proactive initiatives aimed at the welfare of the Sümi tribe and the Naga people at large. He also appreciated the organising committee for their meticulous planning and successful conduct of the festival, which he said reflected the spirit of cooperation and community pride, an update from Sumi Hoho stated.

Reflecting on his 38 years of public service, he reaffirmed his lifelong commitment to promoting peaceful coexistence among Naga tribes. He encouraged the community to continue preserving traditional agricultural practices and to uphold the dignity of labour citing Satami village (Aghunato sub-division) and Sapotimi village (Suruhuto sub-division) as exemplary models of communities that still value hard work and self-reliance.

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Kikheto raised concern over the escalating cost of elections in Nagaland, describing it as one of the most expensive electoral systems in the country.

He pointed out that an average of INR 20 crore is reportedly spent in each assembly constituency within Sümi-dominated areas, amounting to nearly INR 440 crore across constituencies under the Sema tribe. He termed the trend “alarming and unsustainable,” warning that such practices threaten to distort democratic values and burden society.

Calling for financial prudence, transparency and accountability, he urged the community leaders and organisations to ensure that public funds and shared resources are utilized wisely, responsibly and always in the spirit of collective welfare.

Concluding his address, Kikheto reiterated his appeal for unity, humility and faith, saying that true progress begins when people work together guided by integrity, hard work and peace.

While delivering the keynote address, Hotoshe Sema, general secretary of Sumi Hoho, highlighted that the reason for celebrating the Ahuna Festival in Pughoboto this year was to bring a change, as the festival was always celebrated in Zunheboto town in the past. He explained that the decision was also at aimed at strengthening relationships with neighbouring tribes.

He announced that Ahuna festival would be celebrated in all the subdivisions of Zunheboto district.

Also speaking on the occasion, Gihuka Zhimomi, president of Sumi Kiphimi Kuqhakulu, highlighted the rich cultural heritage of the Sumi community and reminded everyone to collectively uphold those values.

Expressing concern over the growing complacency and idle mindset that have begun to weaken the fabric of society, he noted that those are not mere generational issues but signs of a deeper social decline. He emphasised that every organisation and individual must recognise their boundaries and carry out their duties with humility.

The attitude of self-importance and the tendency to undermine others, he warned, destroy the trust that binds the community together, risking a legacy of division for future generations. He, therefore, urged everyone to re-evaluate their attitudes, cultivate mutual respect and embrace self-discipline.

Hikavi Kinimi, president of Sumi Youth Organisation, called upon the Sumi community to stand united and strive toward excellence. He stated that festivals like Ahuna should serve as a channel of forgiveness, reflecting the will of God.

Vitoli Sumi, president of Sumi Totimi Hoho, mentioned that hosting the festival in Pughoboto was a testament to the unity of the Sumi people across all regions. She also reminded the gathering that the Ahuna Festival is an important symbol of Sumi cultural identity.

The service was chaired by Otova Swu, vice president of Sümi Hoho, while a tribute was presented by Vipito V Swu and Nguvili Assumi and a song was presented by Lovi Aye.

The programme concluded with a prayer said by Alito V Swu, SABAK women secretary.