Our Correspondent
Kohima | September 17
Naga People’s Front (NPF) senior Vice President Zaku Tsukru (70) passed away here this morning at Bethel Medical Centre Kohima after a brief illness.
Several people paid their respect to the departed soul at the funeral service held at his residence in Para Medical Colony this afternoon.
Speaking at the funeral service, former Chief Minister and NPF president Dr. Shürhozelie Liezietsu termed Late Zaku Tsükrü as a true nationalist who worked for the welfare of the Naga people since his student days and said that in his death, “we have lost a pillar in the society.”
Dr. Liezietsu lauded Late Tsükrü for the services he rendered to the Naga society particularly to the Naga regional political party (NPF) and stated that he “led the party with all his experiences and in his firm belief in the goodness of the Naga people and their future.”
“A long-time associate, Zaku was one of my closest confidantes and he had always been there with me through thick and thin. A thorough gentleman, party men and women looked up to him, and considered him as a fatherly figure of the NPF party. Never one to lose his cool, he never failed to give a level-headed counsel during crucial party meetings,” stated Dr. Liezietsu in a condolence message.
He was a man who stood steadfast on his beliefs, principles and ideologies and never hesitated to speak out the truth, Dr. Liezietsu stated adding “In his demise, the Naga People’s Front has lost a towering personality whose contributions to the party were immense and immeasurable.”
On behalf of the party rank and file, NPF president extended heartfelt sympathy and condolences to his family members and prayed for solace, comfort and strength at this hour of grief.
“A tall leader who remained a strong regionalist till his demise, late Zaku Tsukru, had served the society in several capacities including president of the Angami Public Organization and the Naga Students’ Federation,” stated Chief Minister, TR Zeliang in his condolence message.
The Chief Minister stated that he was a man who rendered his service for the welfare of the Naga society and his passing away was a great loss to the Naga society.
“During this difficult moment of pain and grief, I extend my sincere condolences to the bereaved family members and pray that Almighty God grant peace and solace to all his near and dear ones,” the Chief Minister conveyed.
NPF Secretary General and MP (Rajya Sabha) K. G. Kenye, NPF Kohima division president Gonei-u Sirie and representatives from Zheri Krotho Kohima and St. Joseph Catholic Church Viswema spoke at the service.
A brief history of Late Zaku Tsukru was read out by Rukuhol Kechu. Born on March 11, 1947 at Zheri Khel, Viswema village, late Zaku Tsukru did his early education from John Govt. High School Viswema. He did his graduation from St. Anthony College Shillong. He also served as president of Naga Students’ Union Shillong. Later, he served as the president of Angami Public Organization and the NSF.
He was one of the pioneering members of the Catholic Union Viswema. He joined active politics and contested two times in the state assembly election.
He remained a strong regionalist and held the post of senior Vice President of NPF till his demise.
He leaves behind his wife, two sons, one daughter and a grandson.
The funeral service was conducted by Rev. Fr. Richard Fernandes, Parish Priest, St. Francis de Sales Church Kohima town as minister and the service was led by Francis P. Kiewhuo, catechist, SFS Church Kohima town.
