Morung Express News
Dimapur | January 12
Nagaland Chief Minister TR Zeliang, Nagaland Legislative Assembly, Governor of Odisha SC Jamir and MP Neiphiu Rio today lead the State in expressing deep shock and grief over the death of Tokheho Sema, describing it as an “immense loss to the state.”
“I am grieved to learn about the sudden demise of one of the last few surviving Members of the Nagaland Interim Body. Nagas have lost one of those few who laid the foundation stone of the State of Nagaland, and it is an opportune time for the living to bemoan the death of Tokheho Sema,” Nagaland Chief Minister TR Zeliang said in a condolence message.
On hindsight, the founders of the State made supreme sacrifice, the benefits of which are being reaped by the succeeding Naga generations, Zeliang added.
“Thiers was a decision which was far-sighted and uncanny for their age and time; theirs is acclaim and appreciation that the present generation of Nagas must extend.”
Describing Late Tokheho as a veteran politician who took up politics as a career very early in life, Zeliang said he was an altruistic person through and through and the welfare of the general public and the State in particular was his “prior-most concern.”
“I have worked with him closely ever since my entry into politics, and found him to be a humble and straightforward person who never hesitated to speak out his mind,” Zeliang said adding that their last meeting was in August 15, 2015 when Late Tokheho along with five other surviving Members of the IBM called on the CM.
“On behalf of the people of Nagaland and my family members, I extend my profound condolences to you and your family members. We pray that the Almighty grant you solace, strength and comfort at this time of grief,” the CM said in the condolence addressed Late Tokheho’s wife Kitoli Yeptho.
Meanwhile, Former Chief Minister of Nagaland and Governor of Odisha Dr. S C Jamir in his condolence said that Late Tokheho’s demise was “indeed a great personal loss to me as we fought and worked together for the identity and dignity of Nagaland and Naga tribe.”
His contribution to restore peace in the trouble-torn Nagaland in the late Fifties and thereafter in the development of the state as its Minister is remarkable, Jamir said.
He never shied away from challenges and never compromised with the Naga identity and their aspirations and remained steadfast in his approach, he added.
Jamir further regretted that when Nagaland today “desperately seeks to rewrite its destiny and form a dynamic and progressive Naga society rooted in the spirit of peace, harmony and feeling of oneness his loss is an irreparable one.”
May his example of leadership inspire Nagas to rededicate them for peace and progress of Nagaland, Jamir said further conveying his heartfelt condolences the bereaved family and prayer of eternal peace to the departed soul.
Nagaland Legislative Assembly also conveyed its deep sadness over the loss of one of its former member and said that Late Tokheho death was a great loss to the Naga people in general and Sumi community in particular, the void, which will be difficult to fill.
“In this hour of gloom and grief, I on my own behalf and on behalf of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly convey our heartfelt condolences. May God grant solace and comfort to the bereaved family members to overcome this moment” NLA Speaker Chotisuh Sazo said in a condolence note.
The Member of Lok Sabha form Nagaland and former CM Neiphiu Rio also condoled the death of Late Tokheho remembering the departed leader as a “person who was always committed to serving the public in the best manner possible.”
He served with distinction in every responsibility that was entrusted to him in the service of the people, Rio conveyed in a message adding that Late Tokheho made significant contributions and sacrifices for the cause of the people and welfare of the people, especially the weaker and marginalised sections.
“His contributions in the building and growth of Nagaland State during the most difficult and crucial period will always be recorded in the annals of our history for all future generations,” he added.
“I extend my deepest condolences to the members of the bereaved family and pray to Almighty God to let the departed soul rest in peace.”
