Dimapur, April 10 (MExN): Lieutenant Gen K Pokho, Retd GOC of Eastern Command, Naga army (NNC/FGN) has passed away at his native place, Pathso Nokeng village, Khiamniungan Region, after prolonged illness on April 10. He was 73.
Following his demise, several messages poured in conveying condolences to the bereaved family members and with prayers for the departed soul to rest in peace.
In a condolence message, Pusha, Midan Peyu, Khiamniungan Region, Federal Government of Nagaland said that Pokho was a patriot who “survived all the twists and turns of Naga National Movement; from the early days of trekking to China for training and arms procurement to surviving the violent clashes in the course of our Naga journey.”
“He served the nation till his last breath. His demise is a great loss for the Khiamniungans in particular and Nagas in general. His unwavering lifetime dedication and sacrifices for the nation will forever be remembered and cherished in the Naga history. May his legacy continue to inspire future generations to strive for the ideals he fought so dear,” Pusha stated.
Gen (Retd) Viyalie Metha, Kedahge, Federal Government of Nagaland said that Lieut General Pokho joined National Defence Service on July 25, 1976 and served in various capacities such as; 7th Brigade Commander, Eastern Command, Naga Army, GOC, Eastern Command, Naga Army then he was appointed as NDAB Member and again appointed to be in-charge of GOC, EC Naga Army and served the nation till his last breath. He was a recipient of ‘Victory Cross,’ ‘Military’ Cross’ and ‘Hero Award’ in the National Defence Service.
“He was a truly dedicated Naga Army officer and a true patriot. He gave his whole life for the Nation. His untimely demise was a great vacuum for the Nation. Yet his patriotic deeds and sacrificial services rendered to the nation shall always remain alive in the history of the Naga nation,” Metha added.
Pathso Nokeng Village Council (PNVC) said that Pokho worked for the cause of Naga nation for almost 5 decades with resilience and determination. “On behalf of the entire village, I extend my deepest condolences to the bereaved family members and join all Naga brethren in mourning his demise,” L Pesha, Chairman, PNVC stated.
“His unwavering dedication has left an indelible mark on our collective history and we are profoundly grateful for his sacrifices and courage. As we mourn his loss, let us also celebrate his remarkable life and the impact he has had for our community and Nagas in general. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family during this difficult time. Rest assured, his legacy will forever be cherished and honored,” he added.
Pathso Range Students’ Union (PRSU) said he was a man of principal who stood steadfast for the integrity of the Naga nation till his last breath. He stood out for the cause of Nagas five decades ago (1976) and discharged all assignments and returned back home only in 2024 when his health condition deteriorated.
During the span of his service, he attained up to the military rank of “Lieutenant General” starting from his first promotion to Lieut Corporal in 1978. He received numerous gallantry awards including the Nagaland Star, Victory Cross, Military Cross, Hero Award, Military Service Medal (I, II, and III), and Long Service Award among others.
“His tall leadership with sheer values and legacies will always be remembered in our hearts and in the history of Nagas’ struggle for self-determination,” L Pukho Khiamniungan, President, PRSU stated in a press note.
Pathso Nokeng Students’ Union (PNSU) in a condolence message said that Lieut General Pokho was a faithful warrior who had devoted his life for Naga political cause, and lived an exemplary life. “His undaunted commitment for the emancipation of the Nagas is unparallel in the history of revolutionary movements in the region. His death is undoubtedly a great loss for the Nagas, yet he has displayed a personality and statesmanship worthy to emulate for others. His contribution to the Naga nation will be fondly remembered and cherished by its people down the ages to come,” PNSU added.
