Dimapur, July 29 (MExN): Former President of Sümi Hoho and ex-Chairman of the Sümi Literature Board, Dr Hokishee Yepthomi, passed away on July 29.
According to reports, he died in a private hospital in Dimapur.
Hailing from Sukhalu Village, Late Dr Yepthomi has been described as a renowned figure and visionary leader of the Nagas in general, and the Sümi tribe in particular.
Meanwhile, the GPRN/NSCN (Neokpao-Alezo), the Western Sümi Hoho (WSH), and the Zunheboto Range Students' Union (ZRSU) have mourned the demise of the departed leader.
GPRN/NSCN (Neokpao-Alezo): “We have lost a great visionary and stalwart who stood for the unity and solidarity of the Nagas. Nagas have lost a fatherly figure; Dr Yepthomi always remained a corrective force at crucial times,” the Collective Leadership of the GPRN/NSCN (Neokpao-Alezo) conveyed in a condolence note.
It listed various services rendered by Late Dr Yepthomi in different capacities. These included authoring Cross Road, a book documenting milestones in Naga history and well as keen interest in the formation of the Sümi Customary Law Research Committee.
The GPRN/NSCN (Neokpao-Alezo) noted that Late Dr Yepthomi relentlessly worked toward ending hostility among the Naga Political Groups (NPGs), especially the NSCNs, and played a guiding role in the process of forming the Unification.
The basic idea of Unification to create a balancing equation in the political movement later paved a way for the formation of Naga National Political Groups, it stated.
The NPG also said that he worked tirelessly for a political solution and made valuable contributions to the negotiations with the Government of India, while upholding the core ideologies of the Naga Movement.
He gave the highest regard and reverence to Sümi Martyrs’ Day and Sümi Patriots’ Day and Late Dr Yepthomi tenure as President of the Sümi Hoho came during one of the most critical and turbulent periods of conflict, the group highlighted.
His motto, “Unification first and then solution,” carried deep meaning and significance, and his futuristic vision led to the beginning of reconciliation efforts, it added.
He strived for a political solution till his last breath and sought to end gun culture and wished that his own community would not support the growth of factionalism and rivalry among leaders, it stated.
Accordingly, the GPRN/NSCN (Neokpao-Alezo), led by Ato Kilonser Alezo Venuh and President MB Neokpao Konyak, conveyed their firm solidarity with the bereaved family and the entire Sümi community.
“Let us hope that all the Naga National Political Groups and organisations will fulfil his wishes and work shoulder to shoulder for an enduring peace and honourable political solution,” it said.
WSH: Late Dr Yepthomi was a towering figure in Sümi society and a deeply respected leader across the Naga community, WSH noted in its condolences.
His life was marked by principled leadership, visionary guidance, and tireless service to the people. A champion of unity, culture, and justice, his contributions have left a lasting impact on our collective identity, it said.
His passing is a tremendous loss not just to his family, but to the Sümi and Naga communities at large. “We honour his legacy with gratitude and reverence,” it added.
The WSH extended its sincere condolences to the bereaved family and said it stood with them in this time of grief, offering prayers for strength and comfort.
ZRSU: The ZRSU remembered its founding president, Late Dr Yepthomi, as a visionary leader and a pillar of the Sümi community.
He not only led but laid the cornerstone of a movement that continues to shape generations and unwavering commitment to education, student welfare, and social upliftment marked him as a trailblazer whose legacy transcends time, it stated.
Describing his passing as an irreparable loss, the ZRSU said late Dr Yepthomi was “not just a man but a movement, a mission, and a mentor.”
While his voice of wisdom has fallen silent, the ZRSU stated that his ideals and service continue to inspire, with the journey from his visionary leadership as founding president to the 40th president today standing as a testament to his enduring legacy.
The union conveyed its condolences to the bereaved family and prayed for the departed soul to rest in eternal peace.
