Western Sumi Hoho warns against misuse of Sumi identity, condemns molestation case

DIMAPUR — The Western Sumi Hoho (WSH), along with its frontal organisations, has issued a strict warning to non-locals misusing Sumi identity—directing anyone falsely using Sumi names, titles, or surnames to immediately desist, or face serious consequences.

In a statement, the WSH declared that no individual who is not a Sumi Naga by blood has any right to claim the tribe’s name or identity under any circumstances.

“This is not just a matter of tribal identity—it is about preserving the dignity, purity, and rightful inheritance of our people,” it asserted.

The warning comes in the wake of a molestation case reported on June 15, involving a Naga woman who was allegedly assaulted by an auto-rickshaw driver and a co-passenger.

Related: Woman molested in moving autorickshaw; FIR filed

The WSH condemned this as a direct violation of a Sumi Hoho resolution, which prohibits non-locals married to Sumi Naga women from passing on the mother’s surname or tribal identity to their children.

The organisation stated that it “does not recognise the accused as a Sumi Naga in any form and view this act of false identity as a serious offence against our customs, our people, and our community’s integrity.”

It urged tribal organisations and government authorities to strictly verify such identity claims and prevent any further misuse.

On the molestation incident, the WSH expressed deep outrage, describing the act as “inhuman” and “a direct assault on the dignity and safety of women.” It lauded the victim’s courage and demanded that law enforcement agencies ensure exemplary punishment for the perpetrators.

“Nagaland has long held a reputation as being one of the safest states for women in the country. However, rising instances of violence against women threaten to erode this identity,” the statement read.