Kohima, December 12 (MExN): Former Development Commissioner of Nagaland and IFAS officer O Kathipri, passed away today following a brief illness at Bethel Hospital in Kohima. He was 92 years old and is survived by his wife, 2 sons and 3 daughters and grandchildren.
Late Kathipri was a retired Indian Frontier Administrative Service (IFAS) officer and former Development Commissioner, Government of Nagaland, who was a successful and outstanding civil servant with a rich administrative experience spreading over three states of the present north east. He was one of the architects of the then new state of Nagaland. A Mao Naga, he was born on May, 1916 in Punanamei village. He worked tirelessly for the unity and harmony of the Tenyimi community in particular and the Nagas.
A funeral service was held at his residence here at Midland colony this afternoon. Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, his colleagues and others attended the service and paid tributes to the departed soul.
In a condolence message, governor of Nagaland K Sankaranarayanan expressed deep grief at the demise of ‘our beloved O. Kathipri’. Eulogizing Kathipri – also father-in-law of Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio – the governor said his administrative skill, humility; honesty, selfless service and strong integrity earned him the reputation of an outstanding and towering statesman of the then three undivided states of Manipur, Tripura and Nagaland. “Even after retirement, he was actively involved as a social worker, and for which he has earned a reputation with reverence. His demise is not only a great loss to Nagaland but to our great nation as well” Sankaranarayanan said.
“In this hour of profound sorrow, I extend my heartfelt condolences to Mrs. Atso-o Kathipri and other members of the bereaved family and pray to Almighty God to give them strength and courage at this profound hour of sorrow to bear this irreparable loss” the governor prayed.
Bio-Profile of O Kathipri
After his early education in Manipur, O Kathipri graduated from St. Paul’s College in Calcutta in 1946 and entered Government service the same year. He began his long and illustrious career of thirty nine years in civil service as a Circle Officer of Tamenlong in 1946 during the British era and held various other posts. The capacities included Judge of the Hill Bench of Manipur till January 1950, SDO of Ukhrul till 1951, and SDO of Churachandpur till 1953.
O Kathipri also served as Claims Officer in Manipur from 1953 till January 1955, and then becoming Assistant Secretary of Tribal Welfare in 1956. He joined the Indian Frontier Administrative Service in 1956 and served as Political Officer of Tuensang frontier division. He then served as Additional Deputy Commissioner of Phek during 1960-61, and Additional District Magistrate of Tripura during 1961-63 and as Additional District Magistrate of Tuensang in 1963. He also served as Deputy Commissioner of Tuensang in 1964, and Deputy Commissioner of Mokokchung during 1969-1970. Thereafter he served as Secretary to the Government of Nagaland in various departments. He retired as Development Commissioner to the Government of Nagaland. He is survived by his wife, 2 sons and 3 daughters and a host of grandchildren and great grandchildren. His third daughter, Kaisa Rio, is wife of the chief minister of Nagaland.
O Kathipri He breathed his last at 6.25 AM on December 12.
