Nagaland state Chief Minister, Neiphiu Rio is accompanied by Indian soldiers carrying flower rites to pay his last homage during the ‘Guard of Honor’ and send-off ceremony of Maj General (Retd) Eppen Jacob Kochekkan, Chairman of the Ceasefire Monitoring Group between the Naga groups and Indian Government at 3 CORPS Rangapahar, Dimapur, Nagaland on Sunday, November 27, 2011. Maj General (Retd) Eppen Jacob Kochekkan, who is the chairman of the Ceasefire Monitoring Group passed away on Saturday night at Rangapahar Military hospital after a massive heart attack. (Photo/Caisii Mao)
Dimapur | November 27: agaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio and his cabinet colleagues, officials of the State Government, civil society leaders and top brass of the Army and paramilitary forces, today turned up to pay homage to Chairman of Ceasefire Monitoring Group and Ceasefire Supervisory Board, Maj Gen (retd) Eppen Jacob Kochekkan, who died Saturday night at Rangapahar Military hospital following a cardiac arrest.
At a brief funeral service (wreath laying ceremony) held Sunday afternoon at Rangapahar Military Station, Dimapur, the Chief Minister in his condolence message, said that it was shocking that a man like Eppen Jacob Kochekkan who accepted the “giant task as interlocutor” of the Naga peace process to “bring peace in this part of the land,” should depart so early.
The Chief Minister said that even after his (Kochkkan) retirement from regular service, because of his dynamism and commitment Kochekkan was chosen and given the tough job as interlocutor. “When I first met him, I could see the sincerity and determination…I was convinced that during his tenure as interlocutor he could do something about the peace process,” Rio said.
Describing late Kochekkan as a “thorough gentleman,” the Chief Minister also commended the retired general’s diplomacy, the ease in mingling with the common man and his tactful dealings with the Naga underground groups.
The Chief Minister in his tribute further said that the next interlocutor would take a long time to understand the sentiments of the Naga people as late Kochekkan had done. On behalf of the Nagaland Government and his own behalf, the Chief Minister also placed a wreath on the coffin containing the mortal remains of late Kocheckkan, who was posthumously promoted to the rank of Lt. General.
The former general was also given Military guard of honor. Representative on behalf of Nagaland Governor Nikhil Kumar, GOC 3 Corps Lt Gen Dalbir Singh, chief of staff 3 Corps, Home minister L Imkong Imchen, Additional Chief Secretaries, Alemtemshi Jamir and Banou Jamir, DC Dimapur, SP Dimapur, DIG (SO), Commandant 5 Sector, Commandant 29 AR, Catholic Church Imphal, ENPO representative, also laid wreath on the coffin of the late general.
Late Kochekkan’s wife and two of his children were also present at the send off service.
Meanwhile, Army sources said that the mortal remains of late Kochekkan will be escorted by road to Guwahati, from where the body will be flown to his hometown Kochi in Kerala.
It may be mentioned EJ Kochekkan took over as Chairman of CFMG/CFSB on March this year.
At a brief funeral service (wreath laying ceremony) held Sunday afternoon at Rangapahar Military Station, Dimapur, the Chief Minister in his condolence message, said that it was shocking that a man like Eppen Jacob Kochekkan who accepted the “giant task as interlocutor” of the Naga peace process to “bring peace in this part of the land,” should depart so early.
The Chief Minister said that even after his (Kochkkan) retirement from regular service, because of his dynamism and commitment Kochekkan was chosen and given the tough job as interlocutor. “When I first met him, I could see the sincerity and determination…I was convinced that during his tenure as interlocutor he could do something about the peace process,” Rio said.
Describing late Kochekkan as a “thorough gentleman,” the Chief Minister also commended the retired general’s diplomacy, the ease in mingling with the common man and his tactful dealings with the Naga underground groups.
The Chief Minister in his tribute further said that the next interlocutor would take a long time to understand the sentiments of the Naga people as late Kochekkan had done. On behalf of the Nagaland Government and his own behalf, the Chief Minister also placed a wreath on the coffin containing the mortal remains of late Kocheckkan, who was posthumously promoted to the rank of Lt. General.
The former general was also given Military guard of honor. Representative on behalf of Nagaland Governor Nikhil Kumar, GOC 3 Corps Lt Gen Dalbir Singh, chief of staff 3 Corps, Home minister L Imkong Imchen, Additional Chief Secretaries, Alemtemshi Jamir and Banou Jamir, DC Dimapur, SP Dimapur, DIG (SO), Commandant 5 Sector, Commandant 29 AR, Catholic Church Imphal, ENPO representative, also laid wreath on the coffin of the late general.
Late Kochekkan’s wife and two of his children were also present at the send off service.
Meanwhile, Army sources said that the mortal remains of late Kochekkan will be escorted by road to Guwahati, from where the body will be flown to his hometown Kochi in Kerala.
It may be mentioned EJ Kochekkan took over as Chairman of CFMG/CFSB on March this year.
Condolences pour in for Maj. Gen. (Rtd.) Eppen Jacob
Dimapur, November 27 (MExN): Governor Nikhil Kumar has expressed grief at the demise of Maj. Gen. (Rtd.) Eppen Jacob, Chairman Cease-fire Monitoring Groups (CFMG) on November 26. The Governor described the late Maj. Gen. (Rtd) Jacob as a fabulous man and said that his going away leaves behind a loss that cannot be forgotten. He expressed his condolences to the family members.
Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio while expressing shock said that, the CFMG chairman overcame some problems during the initial days of his tenure, but it was his sense of commitment and dedication that paved the way for the smooth and efficient functioning of the CFMG.
Rio stated it was to the credit of late Maj. Gen. (Rtd) Jacob that he could build excellent rapport with the officials of the state government, the Army and both the factions of the underground through his impartial and judicious handling of matters. His passing away is a great loss, Rio stated.
Meanwhile, the Convener, CFMC Maj Gen Phunthing Shimrang has also expressed shock at the demise the CFMG chairman. Shimrang stated that he would be remembered for his commitment to bring peace in Nagalim.
The NSCN/GPRN also expressed shock. Lt. Gen (Retd) VS Atem, Convener, Steering Committee on behalf of the NSCN/GPRN stated that “in our association though short, we have seen the great soul in him and a determined spirit to achieve a durable peace both on the ground and political front.” Atem stated that his departure has created a vacuum.
The NSCN/GPRN Khaplang has also expressed shock over the sudden demise of the CFSB and CFMG Chairman. “With the pace of peace process gaining momentum and the sincere efforts of the late Chairman bearing fruits, it is indeed a great loss particularly on the part of the NSCN, the Naga people and the GOI in general”, stated a press note issued by the MIP.
Pointing out that it was very rare to encounter such a refined personality committed to the onerous task of upholding peace and amity in a conflict torn situation, the NSCN Khaplang stated that though brief yet his yeoman’s services rendered to the Nagas shall always be recalled and honored.
“The NSCN/GPRN conveys heartfelt condolence to the bereaved family and extends camaraderie salute to the kith and kin of the late Chairman even in the days to come”.
The GPRN/NSCN has also expressed condolence over the death of the CFMG Chairman. A press note from the MIP stated that Major Gen. (Retd) Eppen Jacob Kochekkan, in his short stint as the Chairman, CFMG, proved to be a man of integrity and conviction. On a number of delicate issues, he proved his mettle by sharing his views honestly and without prejudice. “His sincerity goes beyond his assignment and this is where GPRN/NSCN recognises him as an Indian representative with an unbiased understanding of the Indo-Naga political problem”, the condolence message stated.
Despite him having a military background, GPRN/NSCN also stated that it acknowledged his humane values and this noble trait pointing out that this endeared him to CFSB members of the GPRN/NSCN. “He firmly believed that a peaceful political solution between GOI and the Nagas was the best option. He understood the position of the Nagas and the GPRN/NSCN”, the MIP note stated. “Under his chairmanship, clarity of views and practical problems with regard to implementation of ceasefire ground rules, were progressively exchanged. Maintaining peace through mutual respect and recognition between Nagas and Indians was his strong viewpoint”. The GPRN/NSCN extended its heartfelt condolence to his family members.
Leader of Opposition, Tokheho Yepthomi stated that the demise of Maj. Gen. (Rtd.) Eppen Jacob came as a shock to him. He maintained that the unexpected death has come at a time when the people of Nagaland needed him most in maintaining peace and tranquility. He also praised the man by stating that within one year of taking the responsibility as the Chairman of CFMG, he had successfully implemented the cease-fire ground rules with justice and built confidence among the warring factions as well as the public.
Chief Secretary Lalthara also expressed shock at the sudden demise of the CFMG chairman. He described the man as knowledgeable and lively, who was deeply committed to the service of the nation. As chairman of CFMC, he gave his heart and soul to this difficult and delicate task and achieved a lot, the Chief Secretary stated; adding that the violation of ceasefire ground rules and inter factional clashes considerably came down. His loss is difficult to replace, he stated.
The Naga Hoho also described him as a “man of principle and young looking appearance with young at heart, who always endeavored to deliver equal treatment to all Naga political groups. He had the clear vision and road map towards bringing peace to our land.”
Dimapur, November 27 (MExN): Governor Nikhil Kumar has expressed grief at the demise of Maj. Gen. (Rtd.) Eppen Jacob, Chairman Cease-fire Monitoring Groups (CFMG) on November 26. The Governor described the late Maj. Gen. (Rtd) Jacob as a fabulous man and said that his going away leaves behind a loss that cannot be forgotten. He expressed his condolences to the family members.
Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio while expressing shock said that, the CFMG chairman overcame some problems during the initial days of his tenure, but it was his sense of commitment and dedication that paved the way for the smooth and efficient functioning of the CFMG.
Rio stated it was to the credit of late Maj. Gen. (Rtd) Jacob that he could build excellent rapport with the officials of the state government, the Army and both the factions of the underground through his impartial and judicious handling of matters. His passing away is a great loss, Rio stated.
Meanwhile, the Convener, CFMC Maj Gen Phunthing Shimrang has also expressed shock at the demise the CFMG chairman. Shimrang stated that he would be remembered for his commitment to bring peace in Nagalim.
The NSCN/GPRN also expressed shock. Lt. Gen (Retd) VS Atem, Convener, Steering Committee on behalf of the NSCN/GPRN stated that “in our association though short, we have seen the great soul in him and a determined spirit to achieve a durable peace both on the ground and political front.” Atem stated that his departure has created a vacuum.
The NSCN/GPRN Khaplang has also expressed shock over the sudden demise of the CFSB and CFMG Chairman. “With the pace of peace process gaining momentum and the sincere efforts of the late Chairman bearing fruits, it is indeed a great loss particularly on the part of the NSCN, the Naga people and the GOI in general”, stated a press note issued by the MIP.
Pointing out that it was very rare to encounter such a refined personality committed to the onerous task of upholding peace and amity in a conflict torn situation, the NSCN Khaplang stated that though brief yet his yeoman’s services rendered to the Nagas shall always be recalled and honored.
“The NSCN/GPRN conveys heartfelt condolence to the bereaved family and extends camaraderie salute to the kith and kin of the late Chairman even in the days to come”.
The GPRN/NSCN has also expressed condolence over the death of the CFMG Chairman. A press note from the MIP stated that Major Gen. (Retd) Eppen Jacob Kochekkan, in his short stint as the Chairman, CFMG, proved to be a man of integrity and conviction. On a number of delicate issues, he proved his mettle by sharing his views honestly and without prejudice. “His sincerity goes beyond his assignment and this is where GPRN/NSCN recognises him as an Indian representative with an unbiased understanding of the Indo-Naga political problem”, the condolence message stated.
Despite him having a military background, GPRN/NSCN also stated that it acknowledged his humane values and this noble trait pointing out that this endeared him to CFSB members of the GPRN/NSCN. “He firmly believed that a peaceful political solution between GOI and the Nagas was the best option. He understood the position of the Nagas and the GPRN/NSCN”, the MIP note stated. “Under his chairmanship, clarity of views and practical problems with regard to implementation of ceasefire ground rules, were progressively exchanged. Maintaining peace through mutual respect and recognition between Nagas and Indians was his strong viewpoint”. The GPRN/NSCN extended its heartfelt condolence to his family members.
Leader of Opposition, Tokheho Yepthomi stated that the demise of Maj. Gen. (Rtd.) Eppen Jacob came as a shock to him. He maintained that the unexpected death has come at a time when the people of Nagaland needed him most in maintaining peace and tranquility. He also praised the man by stating that within one year of taking the responsibility as the Chairman of CFMG, he had successfully implemented the cease-fire ground rules with justice and built confidence among the warring factions as well as the public.
Chief Secretary Lalthara also expressed shock at the sudden demise of the CFMG chairman. He described the man as knowledgeable and lively, who was deeply committed to the service of the nation. As chairman of CFMC, he gave his heart and soul to this difficult and delicate task and achieved a lot, the Chief Secretary stated; adding that the violation of ceasefire ground rules and inter factional clashes considerably came down. His loss is difficult to replace, he stated.
The Naga Hoho also described him as a “man of principle and young looking appearance with young at heart, who always endeavored to deliver equal treatment to all Naga political groups. He had the clear vision and road map towards bringing peace to our land.”
