Nagaland Governor, CM lead State in paying condolences
Dimapur, February 26 (MExN): Former minister and public leader, Dr Kakheto Zhimomi died on February 26 after a prolonged illness at CHISR, Dimapur.
Haliling from Zhuikhu Village, late Dr Zhimomi was the first Naga Radiologist and had served the people of Nagaland in various capacities. Among others, he was Minister, Government of Nagaland; Member, Political Affairs Committee; and President, Western Sumi Hoho.
He represented the Ghaspani-II Assembly Constituency and was elected to the 8th Nagaland Legislative Assembly in 1993 and served the then Congress Ministry from 1993 to 1998. Thereafter, he represented Ghaspani I and 11 AC in later elections.
After his retirement from politics, he also served as the president of WSH, Dimapur.
Meanwhile, Nagaland Governor Prof Jagdish Mukhi, and Chief Minister, Neiphiu Rio led the State in condoling the death of late Dr Zhimomi.
In his death, the State has lost a dedicated and sincere public leader, but his relentless and selfless services towards the people of Nagaland in general and Western Sumis in particular will be remembered for years to come, the Governor stated in a condolence message.
“I on behalf of the people of Nagaland and on my own behalf convey our heartfelt condolences. I also pray to God to give strength to the bereaved family members to bear this tragic loss and gant them peace and solace at this hour of pain,” he added.
Chief Minister also expressed sadness over the demise of a “dear friend and a colleague.”
“He was an upright leader, who was sincere and had genuine concerns for the welfare of society, especially those belonging to the marginalised section,” Rio stated, adding that his demise is great loss to the Sumi community in particular and the Naga people in general.
“The vacuum left by him will be difficult to fill. Though he is no longer with us, his selfless deeds will always be remembered and the legacy he leaves behind will be honoured,” he said.
Extending his condolences to the bereaved family members, Rio added: “It is my humble prayer that Almighty God will give them strength and courage to bear the irreparable loss.”
NLA Speaker: Late Dr Zhimomi has a long record of dedicated service to the State of Nagaland initially as a physician and later as a legislator and administrator and he was a leader who earned the love and admiration of the people for his straightforwardness, sense of public service and honesty, NLA Speaker Sharingain Longkumer stated in message.
In his death, the State has lost a great personality and a leader whose contributions will be fondly remembered, he said. In a message addressed to Kanili Zhimomi, the wife of late Dr Zhimomi, the Speaker also conveyed sincere condolences to her and the other members of the bereaved family on own behalf and on behalf of the Members of the 13th NLA.
Tokheho Yepthomi: Member of Parliament, Lok Sabha Tokheho Yepthomi fondly remembered late Dr Zhimomi as a ministerial colleague and noted that he was an upright person and every ready to help people from all walks of life.
After rendering his services to the people in politics he continued to help the downtrodden in his practice as a doctor, Yepthomi said.
Under late Dr Zhimomi leadership, the WSH achieved many milestones and above all the construction and completion of Western Sumi Hoho building, he added, conveying his condolences and prayers to his bereaved family.
Tovihoto Ayemi: MLA & Advisor Dept of Power, H Tovihoto Ayemi also called late Dr Zhimomi a “man of principle and wisdom who served the people with sincere devotion.”
He was a noted physician, an honest politician and an upright social leader who sincerely discharged his duties for the welfare of our people, Tovihoto said, adding that his contribution towards the society in different forms shall be remembered for years to come.
Not only Sumis but the Naga people in general have lost an able and inspiring leader, a great leader of the people, he added, saying it was a privilege to be associated with late Dr Zhimomi.
RN Ravi: The former Governor of Nagaland RN Ravi also remembered late Dr Zhimomi as a bold and upright leader, a great visionary who dedicated his life for the best interest of the Naga people.
“In his demise, I have lost a dear friend. In this hour if enormous grief, I pray the Lord for strength to you and the family members to bear with,” stated Ravi, currently serving as the Governor of Tamil Nadu.
WC NNPGS: The Working Committee (WC) Naga National Political Groups (NNPGs) while expressing pain over the demise said that late Dr Zhimomi “lived his life with great commitment with high ideals in his personal, professional and social conducts.”
He was not only a respected physician but a former legislator turned social reformer who perfectly understood the Naga political aspiration in its correct perspective, stated N Kitovi Zhimomi, Ato Kilonser GPRN/NSCN & Convener WC, NNPGs in a condolence message.
He was among the handful of Naga intellectuals who did not bow down to threats and intimidations. With clear understanding of the Naga issue he advised the WC, NNPGs on the dynamics of Indo-Naga talks through open consultations, it said.
"WC, NNPGs will miss his bold statesmanship in social arena and the leadership role he exhibited with wisdom will be cherished," it added.
NSCN/GPRN (K): Late Dr Zhimomi’s was selfless and his dedication as a leader was like a pole star unwary of any storm or problems in his path for the service of the Nagas,” NSCN/GPRN (K) stated in a condolence note.
His demise a great lost for the Nagas and the void left by the visionary and virtuous leader would never be filled, stated a condolence note from Col (Retd) Isak Sumi (MC), Ato Kilonser GPRN.
“The NSCN/GPRN conveys our heart breaking sympathy to the bereaved family and thanks late Dr Kakheto Zhimomi and his family for their service towards the Nagas,” it added.
NGBF: The Nagaland Gaonbura Federation while offering its condolences stated that late Dr Zhimomi’s contributions towards Naga society would be remembered by one and all. The Nagas have lost a great soul and the vacuum left behind would be difficult to fill, the Federation said, further offering its condolences and prayers to the bereaved family.
CNTC: The Central Nagaland Tribes Councll(CNTC) called late Dr Zhimomi “a true people's leader who has made tremendous contributions and sacrifices not only for the welfare of his Sumi community but all other communities, Nagas as well as non- Nagas.”
His visionary endeavours and selfless contributions right from the grassroot level to the top were truly remarkable and noteworthy, it said, further calling the departed leader a true role model for others who strived to bring peace and unity amongst different tribes and communities.
The Sumis in particular and we Nagas in general have lost a great statesman and a tall leader from our midst today which has left a huge vaccum which will be hard to fill, CNTC said, further extending it condolences to bereaved family members.
K Therie: The Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee President K Therie also acknowledged late Dr Zhimomi as a leader who worked tirelessly not only for the welfare of the people he represented, but also for the welfare of others throughout a lifetime of public service.
In his passing away, the Sumi community and the Nagas have lost a tall, dedicated and selfless leader. The rank and file of NPCC joins me offering our deepest condolences to the bereaved family members, he added.
NPP Nagaland: The National People’s Party (NPP), Nagaland State in a condolence message stated during his political career, late Dr Zhimomi has not only brought about equitable and inclusive development of Nagaland but also laid emphasis on bringing the North Eastern region on the map of progress and development.
He was greatly revered by his contemporaries as well as the young and upcoming leaders of all parties alike for his deep sense of dedication, wisdom, political acumen and sense of humor, it said.
With Dr Zhimomi death, the Nagaland in general and the Sumi Community in particular have lost a staunch supporter of human rights and dignity of the Naga People, it added.
NDPP 5 Ghaspani-II: The NDPP 5 Ghaspani-II A/C in its condolences described late Dr Zhimomi as an upright, active and dedicated leader throughout his life. His exemplary deeds and humility as a leader of the people will always be remembered even in the future, it added.
