Dimapur, October 20 (MExN): Lieutenant Colonel Suhoi Inashe Jakhalu (Retd) passed away on October 19, at CIHSR, Dimapur after a brief illness.
Born at Surumi Village on February 1, 1935, late Jakhalu joined Territorial Army as 2nd Lieutenant. He joined the training at Indian Military Academy Dehradun, and commissioned to 1st Assam Regiment (Indian Army) in 1964. After serving in different capacities, late Jakhalu took premature release from Indian Army as Lieutenant Colonel in 1987. He went on to become the first Deputy Commandant General (DCG) as Head of Department and raised Nagaland home guards from 1988-1991. Late Jakhalu also served as the secretary to the Rajya Sainik Board, Government of Nagaland during 1991-2012.
The funeral service of late Jakhalu was held on October 20 at Toluvi Village where tributes were paid by various individuals and organisation along with the family members. Nagaland Home Guards lead the funeral parade while Indian Army, Indian Air Force, Assam Rifles, Home Guards, Rajya Sainik Board paid honor with wreath.
Various organisations and individuals have mourned the demise of Lieutenant Colonel Suhoi Inashe Jakhalu (Retd) following his demise on October 19.
Governor PB Acharya: The Governor of Nagaland, PB Acharya has expressed sadness at the demise of Lt. Col. SI Jakhalu, former Secretary, Rajya Sainik Board, Nagaland. In a condolence message addressed to Kakheli Jakhalu, wife of late SI Jakhalu, the Governor described late SI Jakhalu as a warm hearted and cheerful human being who was always willing to take on difficult responsibilities. ‘The people with whom he interacted through the years, in particular, and the Government in general will remember him in the years to come’ the Governor stated. Governor Acharya conveyed his condolences and prayed that Almighty gives strength and fortitude to the family to bear the loss.
CM TR Zeliang: The Chief Minister on Nagaland, TR Zeliang has expressed deep shock and sadness on the demise of Lt. Col. Suhoi Inashe Jakhalu (Retd.) who passed away last night from CIHSR, Dimapur after a brief illness. The CM in a condolence note said that the demise of Late S.I Jakhalu, a dedicated military officer and a man who lived his life for the unity and progress of his people, is a great loss for the Nagas. “During this time of pain and grief, I extend my sincere condolences and pray that Almighty God bless his departed soul and grant solace to the bereaved family members,” the CM added while praying for the departed soul rest in eternal peace.
Dr Shürhozelie Liezietsu: In a condolence message, Dr Shürhozelie Liezietsu grieved the demise of his classmate and long time friend Lt Col SI Jakhalu at Dimapur. “A wave of melancholy swept over me as I recalled the years we spent together at St Edmunds College, Shillong, in the late ‘50s. A frank and amiable person, he was polite and friendly with everyone and was quite popular in college. Even while in College, he showed keen interest in uniformed services and it came as no surprise when he went on to join the Territorial Army after College and then on to the Indian Army. He did us, his friends, proud with his illustrious services in the Army even though we could not meet frequently,” recollected Dr Shürhozelie.
He also added that “It was when he became the Secretary of the Rajya Sainik Board, Government of Nagaland, in 1991 till 2012 that we used to meet frequently, often reminiscing over our younger years. I have always been impressed with the concern he had for ex-servicemen in the State and I am told he had endeavoured his utmost to assist those who had rendered valuable services to the nation.” “My family members join me in sending our heartfelt condolences to you and your children. We pray to the Almighty to grant you solace and comfort at this hour of grief. May the departed soul rest in eternal peace,” Dr Shürhozelie stated.
MP Neiphiu Rio: MP Neiphiu Rio has conveyed deep pain on the demise of Lt. Col. (Retd) S.I. Jakhalu who passed away around 11:45 pm on October 20, 2017. “I recall my association with him over the years and found him to be a capable officer who went the extra mile to discharge his duties, particularly towards the welfare of ex-servicemen and their families in the State of Nagaland,” Rio recollected in his condolence message. He also added that in his demise, Nagas have lost a capable officer who rendered the best years of his life towards serving the people of the country and the State with sincerity and dedication and the void left by his demise cannot be filled easily. “My wife and family join me in expressing our heartfelt condolences to members of the bereaved family. We pray that Almighty God will grant you solace during this hour of grief. May the departed soul rest in eternal peace,” Rio added.
NSCW: The Nagaland State Commission for Women (NSCW) deeply mourned the demise of Lt. Col. (Rtd).S.I Jakhalu, husband of Kakheli Jakhalu who is also a member of NSCW. The organisation conveyed that it pray to the Almighty God to grant solace of mind to the bereaved family and guide them with His Grace during these dark days of mourning.
All Sumi Student's Union: The All Sumi Student's Union (SKK) has expressed its deepest pain and immense grief over the demise of Late Lt. Colonel S.I Jakhalu. The Union said that late Jakhalu was the first among Sumi and Nagas in general who brought great pride and laurel through his achievements. His contribution towards the Sumi and Nagas in general will always be remembered in the book of history. SKK also extended its deepest condolence to the bereaved family and “prays to our Almighty God to grant peace and solace to the departed soul,” SKK stated in its condolence message.
Home Minister Y Patton: Home Minister Y Patton expressed deep shock at the sudden demise of Lt. Col. SI Jakhalu, former Secretary, Rajya Sainik Board, Nagaland, on October 19, 2017. Late Lt. Col. SI Jakhalu was a simple, straightforward and forward-looking man. He always tried to update the Government about the activities of the Rajya Sainik Board when he was its Secretary. He was always cooperative and ready to provide valuable services and helps to the others whenever they were asked for. “I joined by my wife convey our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family members and pray to Almighty Lord to grant them strength at this hour of grief,” Patton stated in the condolence message.
