DIMAPUR — Expressing concern on the increasing spate of anti-social activities, the Dimapur Sumi Council (DSC), an apex Sumi organisation of Dimapur, has made a clarion call to its members to desist from such activities stating that it not only tarnish the reputation of the community but also disrupts the peace, harmony and brotherhood among the Naga family.
“As a responsible tribal body of urban Dimapur, it is our collective responsibility to uphold the values such as integrity, respect and mutual support. We call upon our Sumi tribe members, both young and old, to refrain from any activity that goes against the welfare and harmony of our other Naga tribes living in Dimapur. Any action that disturbs the social order and peaceful co-existence not only harm individuals but also weaken our bond of the Naga communities,” the statement read.
It urged upon every member of Sumi tribe to reflect on the consequences of such behaviours and to prioritise the wellbeing of other communities as a responsible and a mature tribe.
“We encourage all the Sumi families and elders to guide the younger generation and instill in them the importance of responsible behaviour both within and outside our families and community,” it added.
DSC has warned the Sumis not to indulge in destructive and detrimental activities, which could hurt the sentiments of other Naga brothers but to cultivate harmony among other tribes.
“The DSC further regrets to state that many activities involving some persons of our Sumi community of late has recently brought much embarrassment and discord with our other fellow tribes which is very unfortunate. The assault of a pastor and spates of other incidents related to extortion and taxation issues, robbery and other crimes have forced the DSC leaders to deliberate on this burning issue recently in a meeting. It is very sad that many incidents involving our people has brought shame and disgrace to many right thinking persons from our Sumi community,” DSC stated.
The DSC has also asked every village, clan and area to control and monitor their own members and kinsmen from indulging in such activities and owe up the responsibility and take corrective measures at the right time to save the Sumi community from further degradation.
“It is understandable that in any community there are some black sheep but when almost all the criminal activities are done by our tribe, it is high time now for our community, village and clan leaders, intellectuals, churches, individuals as well as different groups to both introspect and retrospect the reason and work for the healing our relationship within ourselves and other tribes,” it added.
It mentioned that DSC has 14 sectoral units within the Dimapur municipal area comprising approximately around 10,000 households including both permanent and non permanent residents.
The DSC also appealed to other Naga brothers to reach out to its officials in matters of any grievances or problems so as to settle differences amicably before communalising and making it a tribal issue or resorting to any mob activity.
It stated that DSC is always ready to initiate any task or matters unitedly in a peaceful way rather than forming new organisations or bodies to solve hastily, which would only add tension to fragile society.
DSC was of the opinion that any misunderstanding or problems in the society could always be tackled and solved by joining hands together.
Meanwhile, DSC has congratulated the Naga Council Dimapur (NCD) on attaining its platinum jubilee and appealed to all Sumis of Dimapur town to cooperate during the NCD platinum jubilee celebrations.