Dimapur, August 5 (MExN): Mourners from all walks of life today paid their respect to late H. Hokivi Chishi at his private residence in Sematilla, Dimapur where the last rites were held.
Chishi, who was the President of the Dimapur Chamber of Commerce and Industries (DCCI), passed away on August 4 at the age of 51 years. He is survived by his wife, a daughter and two sons.
Among the many who spoke on the occasion, Parliamentary Secretary for Irrigation & Flood Control, Tovihoto Ayemi recollected the time when they both joined NPF together in the year 2003. He was a man of his word besides being a very good human being who worked tirelessly whenever there was a need for the down trodden, minorities and youths, Ayemi stated in his eulogy.
He was very empathetic and would see every situation from all sides before making a judgement and was always generous, Ayemi recalled.
Late Chishi was involved in many organizations and aspired to bring reforms and changes in the society and people should follow the exemplary life of him, he added.
Besides Ayemi and the family members, Ato Akukau (Head GB), Zutovi Village, Vikuto Achumi, Akukau (GB), Kiyeto Village, Aqahuto area, Azheto Zhimomi, Ex-Deacon Zutovi Village Baptist Church, Hokishe Chishi, president, Western Sumi Hoho, Zheshito Swu, Chairman, Sematilla council, K.Kinilimi and K.Kakheho Yeptho were others who spoke at the funeral service.
The funeral rites were ministered by Rev. Shitovi Swu while Dr. Hesheto Chishi chaired the funeral service programme.
Meanwhile, Nagaland Governor PB Acharya also expressed shock and grief at the demise of the DCCI President, Hokivi Chishi.
In a condolence message, the Governor described late Hokivi as a person who worked for the uplift and welfare of the business community. “He was a renowned social worker and a philanthropist whose works will always be cherished and remembered by all. His demise is not only a loss to the Sumi community but the Nagas as a whole,” Governor Acharya’s message read.
The Governor, while conveying his condolences also prayed that the Almighty grant solace and strength to the bereaved family members.
More organizations also came forward to extend their condolences over the demise of the DCCI President Hokivi Chishi.
ACAUT: ACAUT stated that it was “blessed” and “fortunate” to have worked closely with late Chishi, one of its founding members. “He was a fair-minded, generous and a courageous leader who will continue to inspire us every day in our future journey,” ACAUT stated in a message.
It recalled late Chishi summoning the courage to report on the plight of the general public and the business community due to unbearable taxation “which up until then none had dared to do”.
“It set out a course of events that would shake the very foundation of a well established and intricate network of taxation, syndicate system and market monopoly and igniting one of the biggest people’s movement in the history of Nagaland against the culture of impunity, the absence of the rule of law, corruption, and nepotism,” ACAUT’s message read.
The ACAUT family expressed its deepest condolences to the bereaved family and prayed that the Almighty will assuage the pain of the family. “We will all miss the presence of a truly lovable and kind person,” it added.
DMC: The Dimapur Municipal Council (DMC) expressed shock and grief at the untimely demise of its ex-member, H Hokivi Chishi. As a mark of respect, the Council had declared half holiday on August 4.
Chishi served in the Dimapur Municipal Council as an elected member from Ward No. 19 from February 2, 2005 to February 21, 2010.
The Council conveyed heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family members and prayed to the Almighty to rest his soul in peace.
BAN: The Business Association of Nagas mourned the demise of a “dear brother and friend”.
In a message, BAN recalled that it had never seen late Chishi lacking in enthusiasm or motivation in doing good and standing for the right cause. He was always ready to tackle any social or market related issues in a very positive and wise approach, the association stated.
“The business community in general had so much faith and trust in him that one day he would emerge to be one the most dynamic leader for the betterment of our ailing society. It is only our loss that he had to leave us so early and suddenly, unfortunately for us we can only carry his good memories and strive forward his legacy,” BAN’s message read.
WDCCI: The Wokha District Chamber of Commerce & Industry recalled late Chishi as an “influential” businessman and social worker who was connected with many people specially the business community. The WDCC&I on behalf of the business community of Wokha district extended its deepest condolences to the bereaved families and prayed for the departed soul to rest in peace.
ASTD: The Ao Senso Telongjem Dimapur (ASTD) recalled late Chishi as a dedicated and sincere person and deeply mourned his sudden demise. The ASTD conveyed condolences to the bereaved family and prayed for the departed soul to rest in peace.
SKK: The All Sumi Students' Union (SKK) recalled late Chishi as a “visionary icon” who always believed in the welfare of the society and voluntarily stood for the Nagas. Expressing pain and grief over the sudden demise, the SKK also extended its deepest condolences to the bereaved family and prayed to the Almighty to grant peace to the departed soul.
Pranab Vidyapith: Pranab Vidyapith Higher Secondary School, Dimapur fondly remembered late Chishi as a well-wisher of the institution. “As the President of Chamber of Commerce, Dimapur his contribution to the people and the business community in particular is immeasurable,” the school stated in its condolence message.
JCC: The Joint Coordination Committee referred to late Chishi as a “dynamic leader” and stated that he has been very vocal for the rights of the Nagas. “His kindness and good deeds shall remain in our hearts forever,” the JCC stated.
YAN: The Youth Association of Nagaland (YAN) remembered late Chishi as its patron and stated that his generosity and noble support “will always remain fresh in our hearts.”
NBAK: The Naga Business Association Kohima (NBAK) remembered late Chishi as a “torchbearer” to the local businessmen and entrepreneurs. The NBAK in a message stated that late Chishi tirelessly worked for the uplift of the local businessmen, and expressed grief over his untimely demise. The association extended its deepest condolence to the bereaved family members and prayed that the Almighty grant him eternal rest in peace.
