Kohima, September 17 (MExN): The Naga Students’ Federation (NSF), the Angami Students’ Union (ASU) and the Angami Youth Organisation (AYO) have mourned the demise of Zaku Tsukru who passed away in Kohima on Sunday morning following a brief illness.
The NSF in a message fondly recalled late Tsukru’s contribution to the Federation which he led as President from October 1973 to October 1974. “The demise of our leader is indeed a great loss for our people,” the NSF stated in a message and conveyed deepest condolences to the bereaved family.
The ASU in its message shared its sadness at the demise of a sincere and dedicated person “who has rendered invaluable and immeasurable services to the Angami community in particular and the Nagas at large.”
“At this hour of grief and sorrow, the Angami Students’ Union stand by the family and sincerely conveys our deepest condolences to the family members and pray to God Almighty to grant solace and comfort to the bereaved family members,” the ASU’s message read.
The AYO referred to late Tsukru as a “strong pillar of strength” for the people and informed that he had served in various strata of his village, range, community and Naga society.
“We pay our last respect to him and humbly acknowledge his steadfast visions and commitment he provided and gave to his people,” the AYO’s message read.
“To his family, you lost a father. And to us, we lost a refined leader who will be so hard to be replaced. We stand together to share the pain you are going through in our simple yet very sincere thoughts. May God grant eternal peace and peace to his family,” it concluded.
Neiphiu Rio
Lok Sabha MP Neiphiu Rio also mourned the demise of Zaku Tsukru.
In a message, Rio recalled working together with late Tsukru as youth leaders in the United Democratic Front in the mid 70’s. “Although we parted ways, we continued to work for our people through various platforms and different political parties,” Rio stated.
“He was a staunch regionalist, a man of principle, simple and upright, who worked wholeheartedly for the cause of the common man,” Rio’s message read.
“In his death, we have lost a dear friend and a committed leader, and the vacuum created by his death will be difficult to fill,” it added.
