Our Correspondent
Kohima | October 30
Gen (Retd) Thinoselie Medom Keyho, President of Naga National Council (NNC), passed away in Kohima on October 30. He was 96. The funeral service will be held on October 31 at 12 noon at Rüvetsiezou, Chedema.
Born on May 11, 1930, in Chedema Village under Kohima district, Thinoselie joined the Federal Government of Nagaland (FGN) on June 11, 1956, as Secretary to the Director of Intelligence, Naga Army FGN.
In 1957, he was promoted to Brigadier of the Naga Army, FGN. In 1963, he was part of the Naga Army contingent led by Gen Mowu to East Pakistan, serving as Command Writer. On October 24, 1966, he led the first Naga contingent of 132 Naga Army soldiers as Military Commander, alongside other civilian leaders including Th Muivah, then General Secretary of NNC, as Political leader. The contingent reached the frontiers of China on January 27, 1967.
In 1968, he was promoted to Lt General of the Naga Army, FGN, and that same year took some Naga Army soldiers, along with Brigadier Neidilie Kuotsu, to the People's Republic of China (PRC) for further training.
While returning to Nagaland, they decided to go to Dhaka for diplomatic reasons. The Indo-Pak war broke out there in 1971. Following the surrender of East Pakistan, he was handed over to the Indian Army by the Red Cross. He and his team were transported to Delhi and incarcerated at Tihar Jail, then transferred to Shillong Jail, and released in 1976.
He served as President of Angami Public Organisation (APO) from 1980 to 1984. From 1981 to 1990, he was elected President of Naga National Workers' Conference (NNWC) to promote unity among Naga political groups.
He was elected President of the NNC on May 11, 2016, at an NNC general meeting held at Yorüba village in Phek district.
NSF mourns
The Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) condoled the passing of Thinoselie M. Keyho, calling it the end of an era and an irreplaceable loss to the national memory of the freedom struggle. His legacy extends beyond his years leading the NNC; for generations of Naga youths, his life has been a reminder of historical consciousness, political conviction and the responsibility of carrying forward a people's aspirations.
His enduring association with the Naga national movement continues to inspire young Nagas to understand their history, preserve their identity and engage thoughtfully with their political future, the condolence message issued by NSF president Mteisuding and assistant general secretary Veze Tunyi stated.
The Federation prayed that his noble soul rests in eternal peace and that his legacy of patriotism, sacrifice and service continues to inspire all who follow the path of freedom and national duty. The contribution of such a towering freedom fighter will never be forgotten and shall remain etched in history and in the grateful hearts of the Naga people, the message added.
