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Rev. Dr. Kevekhalo Lasuh speaking at the send off service of N. Theyo in Kohima on August 30. (Morung Photo)
Our Correspondent
Kohima | August 30
The send off service of former minister and Nagaland Peace Centre (NPC) chairman N.Theyo who passed away on August 29, took place here today at Jubilee Hall of Chakhesang Baptist Church Kohima (CBCK).
MP (Rajya Sabha) K.G. Kenye, minister for planning & coordination, land revenue and parliamentary affairs Neiba Kronu, urban development and municipal affairs advisor Dr. Neikiesalie (Nicky) Kire, NLA former speaker Thenucho Tunyi, ex-minister Zachilhu and several other dignitaries were also present at the service.
CM, others pay tributes
Speaking at the programme, Nagaland Peace Centre (NPC) executive director, Pedi Miachieo said that N. Theyo was the chairman of the NPC since 1994 and actively pursuing peace process and also socio-economic development of the state.
“At his demise, Nagaland Peace Centre lost the architect of the peace mission and the vacuum created at his death will be difficult to fill in,” said Miachieo.
“After his (Theyo) retirement, he never stop involving in the social activities and never forgets the social burden,” said Z Lohe while speaking on behalf of Chakhesang Public Organization (CPO).
Lohe said that Late Theyo has full of concern for the people.
Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA) former speaker and MLA Chotisuh Sazo said that Theyo was a politician, social worker and peacemaker.
Sazo said that Late Theyo has done a lot in the area of road, education, water supply and electricity.
Chakhesang Baptist Church Council (NBCC) executive secretary Rev. Khrotso Mero also spoke at the service. Thepuphi Kapu spoke on behalf of Thenyizumi Union Kohima while Dr.Keveduyi Theyo and Adela Mero spoke on behalf of family members.
The programme as led by CBCK pastor Rev. Dr. Vetso Koza while CBCK senior pastor Rev. Dr. Kevekhalo Lasuh delivered a message.
Meanwhile, the funeral service will take place at the native village Thenyizu on August 31, thereafter Late Theyo will be laid to rest at Chetheba town.
In a condolence message read out at the send-off service, Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio stated that right after Nagaland attained statehood, Late Theyo successfully contested election and held various constitutional posts as deputy minister and later on as minister.
“He was also engaged in many social and humanitarian activities and was a philanthropist down to the core. He dedicated his entire life for the betterment of the Nagas and in his death, not only his family or the Chakhesang community but the entire Nagas have lost a leader who worked tirelessly for the betterment of the people and the society,” stated Rio.
Former chief minister and Governor Dr. S. C. Jamir stated that Late Theyo was one of the prominent Naga political leaders of the yesterday years who served the people of Nagaland with commitment and dedication.
“In early age, he was involved in Naga politics and participated in all the important events that shaped the present Nagaland,” Dr. Jamir stated adding that even after retirement, he continued in the service of the people by actively taking part in the peace mission.
Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC) president K.Therie stated that Theyo was a tall standing leader who believed in socialist, secular, democratic India and also strongly believed the 16th Point Agreement, Article 371 (A) and statehood to nurture and serve the people of Nagaland.
Therie stated that Theyo’s valuable service to the Congress party cannot be enumerated but his leadership as president DCC Phek 1976, NPCC vice president from 1983-1995 and NPCC president from 1995-97 and also the support he continued to render will go down in the history of the party and will be fondly remembered for posterity.
Kohima Hotel & Restaurant Union (KHRU) president Khrielakuo Sekhose stated that Theyo once served as president of the Union and present advisor of the Union.
He was gentle and upright member of the union who worked for the betterment of the Union with full zeal and enthusiasm,” Sekhose stated.
Other condolence messages that read out at the service includes; Ura Academy president Dr. Shurhozelie Liezietsu, Nagaland State AIDS Control Society, Chokri Area Mothers’ Association, Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Memorial Development Society Nagaland, Nagaland Medical Council, Parliamentarians & Ex- parliamentary Association of Nagaland and Kohima District Bar Association.
Netsütso Theyo: A brief Timeline
Netsütso Theyo, popularly known as ‘Mr N Theyo,’ was first Christian from Thenyizumi Village. He died on August 29 after a brief illness.
Here’s a brief timeline.
Born: May 1930 to Late Yotsü Theyo (father) and Late Vetsolü (mother
Matriculation: Kohima Government High School (KGHS)
Bachelor of Arts Degree: from St. Edmund’s College, Shillong in 1962.
1955-56: President of the KGHS Students Union
1959-61: President of the Chakhesang Students Conference
1960-61: General Secretary (GS) and Vice President (VP) of the Kohima District Students Conference
1961-62: President, Naga Students Union Shillong
1962-63: Assistant Head Master, Phek HE School
1963: Married Teswüle Natsunuo
1964: First elected as the first Nagaland Legislative Assembly Member from Chozuba II Constituency. He contested Nationalist Party candidate, later renamed as the Naga Nationalist Organisation (NNO).
1966: Appointed as Deputy Minister for PWD and Electricity.
1971: Won by-election as a NNO candidate; appointed Cabinet Minister for Transport & Communication, CD & TD Block and Town & Country Planning
1976: NNO merged with the Indian National Congress Party, joined the Congress.
1982: Contested election as an INC candidate.
1983 to 1995: VP of the Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC-I)
1995June-1997 June: NPCC President
1983-93: All India Congress Committee (I) member.
He also served as GS of the Ex-Parliamentarians Association of Nagaland, a life-member of the Indian Red Cross Society, Nagaland Branch; and Chairman of the Nagaland Peace Centre, Kohima.
