Thinoselie Keyho
Kohima, October 31 (MExN): Several condolences and tributes have poured in on the passing away of veteran Naga nationalist and President of Naga National Council (NNC), General (Retd) Thinoselie Medom Keyho, who passed away on October 30.
Keyho from Chedema village had joined the Naga national service in 1956 and dedicated over seven decades to the Naga freedom struggle in various capacities.
NNC General Secretary V Nagi said the council was “deeply shocked and saddened” by the demise of a “true, steadfast and unwavering supporter of Naga Sovereignty.” Nagi recalled that Keyho was among the earliest Naga leaders to undertake arduous journeys through the jungles, reaching China, Pakistan and Europe to advance the cause of Naga independence. He was also a participant in the 1964 ceasefire between the Government of India and the Federal Government of Nagaland, and was later arrested by Indian forces in East Pakistan and imprisoned for many years.
“His life was one of sacrifice, courage and unwavering commitment to the freedom and sovereignty of the Naga people and their Homeland,” Nagi said, adding that Keyho served as Vice President of the NNC under Rev Merhüpfü Kent and later under Gen (Retd) I Panger Walling.
NNC/FGN, under the leadership of Brig (Retd) S Singnya, said Keyho's passing has created an “irreparable loss” and that “the vacuum left by him shall be very difficult to fill.” It described him as “another tall leader and torch bearer who is also considered as a guidance force by many brilliant minds.”
NSCN (IM) General Secretary Th Muivah, in an emotional tribute to his “dear friend and lifelong comrade,” said the two had “journeyed together in the national resistance movement for decades with shared hardship and sacrifice for a common vision and future of our people.”
“What touches me most is that even during his illness, when I spoke to him over the telephone, his thoughts remained with our people and the future of our nation. He encouraged me never to lose heart, but to continue fighting the good fight, reminding me that a settlement must ultimately be reached,” Muivah said.
“Farewell, my dear comrade. We have walked a long road together. Though you have gone ahead of me, the memories of our shared journey and the ideals for which we stood will remain in my heart until my own journey comes to an end,” he added.
NSCN/GPRN (Provisional Government) recalled Keyho's role as a military commander during the 1966-67 expedition to China and later as President of the NNC, noting that his “efforts to preserve Naga history, uphold the political aspirations of the Naga people and encourage reconciliation among divided Naga groups deserve sincere recognition.” “We may have differing perspectives on history and politics, but we can still recognize the significance of a life spent in service and acknowledge the place he holds in the story of the Naga people,” it said.
NSCN/GPRN (Yung Aung) said Keyho “answered his final call” on October 30, describing him as “a distinguished Naga revolutionary soldier, a devoted patriot who dedicated 70 years of his life to the freedom struggle for the Naga nation.”
“He belonged to a generation that carried the burden of the Naga struggle through some of its most difficult and uncertain periods,” the outfit said, adding, “Although General Keyho is physically no longer with us, he lives on through the cause he serves, the sacrifices he makes and the generations he inspires.”
All the groups extended their heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and prayed for eternal peace to his soul.
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