(Left) President of the Naga National Council, Adinno Phizo, seen here coming out of the Dimapur Airport. She arrived in Nagaland today from London to lay to rest her younger brother Kevilevor Phizo’s body. (Newmai News Network Photo) (Right) Naga men accompany the body of Kevilevor Phizo, the eldest son of Naga leader AZ Phizo, after a public reception held at Dimapur Airport on Saturday, April 27, 2013. (Photo by Caisii Mao)
Relatives bring body from London to Nagaland
DIMAPUR, APRIL 27 (MExN): April 27 began on a dim note as clouds covered the skies resulting in a drizzle. However, by noon, the clouds gave way to a bright sun as the body of late Kevilevor Phizo landed at Dimapur Airport at around 12:30 pm. Hundreds of mourners and supporters gathered outside the airport to welcome home the body of late Kevilevor who passed away on April 12 in London due to a cardiac arrest. He was seventy four.
Kevilevor was born on February 20, 1939 in Rangoon, Burma to AZ Phizo and Jwenle Phizo. Educated in Kohima and Shillong, he went to London on May 10, 1966 to pursue his MBA. Since then, he served as a Central Executive Council member of the NNC in London until his death.
Amidst tight security, political leaders, members of civil societies, various organizations alongside citizens bore a solemn look as Kevilevor’s body was brought out of the airport in a sealed coffin. This is the first time in forty seven years that Kevilevor’s physical presence was felt in Nagaland—when it arrived in Kohima, a double rainbow was seen over the town. In a strange co-incidence, a rainbow was also observed when AZ Phizo’s body was brought back in 1990.
Cars lined up till the Dimapur airport gate and a multitude of people formed a guard of honor to receive the late NNC leader. Almost all in the gathering wore a piece of traditional clothing, while the pall bearers included representatives from different Naga tribes in full traditional attire. State political leaders including Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio and other dignitaries accompanied the coffin as it proceeded towards a clearing outside the airport. The pall bearers let out cries and brandished their spears in honor of the late NNC member returning home. Mourners watched in silence as the son of the legendary Naga leader, AZ Phizo made his final journey home.
A brief service was conducted outside the airport with Rev. Dr. Wati Aier, Convener of the Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR) paying tribute to the departed leader. He paraphrased Psalms 21 and stated “Kevi has left us but he has not departed from the aspirations of the Naga people.”
He added that the Naga people’s quest for peace and freedom will go on. Following this, flower wreaths were presented by the NNC/FGN, NSCN/GPRN, NSCN (K), the FNR on behalf of the other Naga groups and various other individuals. The Funeral Committee expressed gratitude for the tributes paid by the different groups and individuals.
President of the Naga Council Dimapur, Bangerloba paid a tribute to Kevilevor by saying that he lived in humility and always strived for the “Naga cause.” He added that Kevilevor’s “unstoppable spirit” would always be remembered.
Adinno Phizo, President of the NNC and Kevilevor’s sister, accompanied by a host of people came out of the airport and was rushed to a waiting car to accompany the body to Kohima. This is the first time in fifty years that Adinno Phizo has come to Nagaland. Visibly distraught from the death of her brother, Adinno put on a brave face as she was led through throngs of people clamoring to get a glimpse of her.
The gathering did not consist of only Naga people, as a few visitors from mainland India intrigued by the site stayed back to watch the event. A few volunteers were seen providing them with information about the late NNC member and his family.
Security was tight for the event with police and military personnel manning every corner of the airport. A few security personnel equipped with riot shields were also seen outside the perimeter of the airport. A multitude of cars accompanied the body to Kohima, resulting in a massive traffic jam on the National highway.
Escorts provided by the Government of Nagaland led the column of cars that accompanied Kevilevor’s body. The escort was followed by the vehicle of the Funeral Committee Convener, the vehicle carrying the body, vehicles carrying the family members, a medical team, funeral committee members and public leaders. The funeral service is scheduled to be held at the Mission Compound, Kohima at 12:00 noon on April 28.
