The Sumi Hoho, an apex tribal body in Nagaland’s Zunheboto district, has urged the Centre to work towards a “final, honourable and mutually acceptable conclusion” to the long-pending Naga political issue. The tribal body also sought greater sensitivity in official protocols involving Vande Mataram, particularly because of religious imagery in some of its later stanzas.
The demands were made in a representation submitted to Nagaland Governor Nand Kishore Yadav during his maiden visit to the Zunheboto district headquarters on Monday, according to an official statement. The Sumi Hoho asked the governor to communicate its concerns and aspirations to the appropriate authorities.
The Hoho urged the Centre to advance the Naga political process in accordance with the Framework Agreement signed between the Centre and the NSCN-IM on August 3, 2015, and the Agreed Position signed with the Working Committee of Naga National Political Groups on November 17, 2017.
On Vande Mataram, the Sumi Hoho said it respected the National Song and all national symbols. However, it asked authorities to consider the faith and conscience of all communities, especially Christians, when framing or implementing official protocols, while maintaining due respect for the song.
The tribal body also sought the expansion of Hezukhu Memorial District Hospital from its current 75-bed capacity to 100 beds. It called for adequate deployment of doctors and nurses, along with sufficient medicines, medical equipment and diagnostic facilities.
The Sumi Hoho further supported the proposed Showuba-Pangsha East-West Corridor, a long-pending road project expected to pass through Zunheboto towards Shamator. It said the corridor would improve connectivity between Nagaland’s western, central and eastern regions and strengthen economic and social links across the state.
During his visit, Governor Yadav reviewed the functioning of the Zunheboto district administration and stressed the need for effective last-mile delivery of government services, especially in remote and difficult-to-reach areas. He called for improved learning outcomes, school attendance and student retention, as well as fully functional healthcare facilities with adequate staff, medicines and equipment.
Yadav also highlighted the need for better electricity supply, drinking water and digital connectivity. On infrastructure, he emphasised the importance of building roads to higher standards so that repeated expenditure on the same stretches could be reduced.
Original Source: https://www.indiatodayne.in/nagaland/story/sumi-hoho-urges-centre-to-resolve-naga-political-issue-flags-concerns-over-vande-mataram-1456517-2026-09-29?utm_source=rssfeed
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Publish Date: 2026-09-29 08:28:00
