The passing away of Dr Hokishe Sema, former Chief Minister of Nagaland and the first Naga Governor to be appointed by Delhi marks the end of an era in the annals of Nagaland’s political history. The imprint left by Late Hokishe is truly exemplary and the stream of condolence messages pouring into this newspaper office since yesterday only confirms his marked contribution as a leader who shaped the destiny of Nagaland State and someone who cemented the pillars of Statehood. Some of his contemporaries (and there are not many alive today) have described Late Hokishe as an ardent nationalist and a committed servant of the people. Even in his old age while serving as DAN Chairman, Late Hokishe had on several occasions shared his concern for the people of Nagaland even if it meant going against the official line of the DAN Alliance. This undoubtedly was a mark of a true leader. Further more, Late Hokishe’s exceptional quality of leadership was also instrumental in keeping the multi-party DAN Alliance together despite the existing differences and the pulls and pressures of coalition politics. Given Late Hokishe’s wide acceptability as a leader cutting across party lines, the DAN Alliance will find it even more difficult to fill the vacuum created by its Chairman’s demise.
Besides his wide acceptability and true leadership quality, the other legacy of Late Hokishe was that throughout his political life he was opposed to violence and displayed the courage to speak out against those who propagated violence as a means to achieve their goals. His strong determination wedded to the love of peace found expression even in his last days. While many of his junior colleagues in the government refused to acknowledge the breakdown of law and order arising out of factional clashes, Late Hokishe had the guts to openly question his government and bringing to attention the need to safeguard life and property of its citizens no matter what the circumstances or arguments.
As much as he was a leader with a vision, Late Hokishe was also a man of peace. His decision to give up smoking on September 7, 1967, in honour of the Day of the Ceasefire in Nagaland may be seen as only symbolic. But for those who aspire for greater political mission in a lifetime such as Late Hokishe, it showed his commitment for bringing about peace and unity among the Nagas. One may recall that during one of the Assembly Sessions, Late Hokishe had pointed out that being representatives of the people, the legislators should attempt to bring all Naga organizations to a broadly acceptable platform to unitedly raise their voice to the Government of India. Only then can we come to a tangible and successful solution, he had pointed out. He was also the one who suggested that the Consultative Committee for Peace (CCP) should include members from the Opposition Congress.
This desire of Late Hokishe to bring together over-ground leaders in order to pursue peace among the warring factions will remain fundamentally relevant until permanent peace among the Nagas is achieved. Quiet, soft spoken and a man of few words, Late Hokishe will be remembered for his integrity, sincerity and above all as a man of peace and certainly a great politician of his time, a towering figure of Statehood and a father figure for modern day Naga politicians.
