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Elders of the Yimchunger and Sumi communities exchanging gifts at the cultural exchange programme cum Tsungkamnio festival in Chessore under Tuensang district on January 16.[/caption]
Dimapur, Jan. 17: To strengthen aged-old relationship, the Yimchunger and Sumi tribes with the active initiatives of Yimchunger Tribal Council (YTC) and Sumi Hoho (SH) organised a cultural exchange programme cum Tsungkamnio festival celebration on January 16 in Chessore village.
The programme was marked with unveiling of monolith by the respective tribal presidents and a word of blessing said by Yimto, pastor and former Executive Secretary YBBA.
President of Sumi Hoho Toniho Yepthomi, in his solidarity message, delivered a brief history of Sumi and Yimchunger tribe dating back to 1930’s. He said from 1936 the relationship between the two tribes was re-strengthen.
He highlighted that the association is running in its 81 years of concord with tremendous amount of trust and respect between the two. While urging to continue in the spirit of brotherhood, he appealed the two tribes to focus on education sector for all round development to take place. Lastly, shared that it was God’s blessing upon them that they could organised the significant and historical even at Chessore.
K Keozih, President YTC, greeted the Yimchunger community on the occasion of Tsungkamnio festival and also welcomed the members of Sumi Hoho. While acknowledging the relentless co-operation extended to the Yimchunger community, he hoped the age-old relationship will be further strengthened to a new level through such programmes.
The programme was chaired by Khalenmew, youth secretary YBBA, while the welcome speech was delivered by Throngso, vice president YTC, and special presentation was made by Kihoto Theological College and prayer by Rev. Shitozu, Advisor YTC.
Zungkum, in his short speech, narrated the history of brotherhood of two tribes and expressed gratitude to Sumi pioneer for the initiative undertaken to share gospel and education to Yimchunger tribe in the early 1950’s.
President of Yimchunger GBs’ Union K Lakiumong shared on the significance of Tsungkamnio. Cultural values of Yimchunger and Sumi was delivered by Thsesong, former president YTC, while Toshi Wungtung, advisor to ENPO, heaped praises and gratitude to the Sumi community for being the torchbearer in Yimchunger land.
Minister of Roads & Bridges Y Vikheho Swu, while speaking on the occasion, stressed on the important of road connectivity for all round development and also divulged various works undertaken by the government to connect the people of Northeast with the rest of the Asian countries. He also emphasised on the importance to preserve traditional value and customs among the younger generation.
He further urged the Nagas to be self reliant and not only depend on government but able to generate income through agriculture, livestock etc.
MLA and Chairman NKVIB, T Torechu, expressed that the relationship between the two tribes will be an example to other Nagas through its honesty, mutual respect and aspiration to live in unity and peace.
Parliamentary Secretary of Municipal Affairs, Economics & Statistics, R Tohanba, in his greeting, conveyed that Sumi and Yimchunger sharing land boundaries have co-existed since time immemorial and assured to extend help in good and in hard times.
The momentous event witnessed the spirited cultural folk songs and warrior dances by the Sumi cultural troupes and the Yimchunger cultural troupes. The programme was ended with Tsungkamnio feast.
