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Our Correspondent
Kohima | January 2
Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio speaking at the funeral service on January 1. (Morung Photo)
Late Vikho-o Yhoshü, speaker, Nagaland Legislative Assembly who passed away on December 30 was laid to rest on January 1 at his native Kigwema, about 13 km away from Nagaland’s state capital Kohima.
Late Vikho-o was accorded with full state honours at the state funeral service held at NLA’s speaker official residence Kohima before his mortal remains taken for final funeral rites to Kimipfüphe Ground, Kigwema. Thousands of people from all walks of life including Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, council of ministers, legislators, bureaucrats etc. paid their last respect to the departed leader.
Speaking at the funeral service, Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio described Vikho-o as kind-hearted and highly capable leader.
“I found him to be always concerned for the Nagas and the indomitable Naga-ness in him was the main driving force behind his service to the people,” Rio said.
Opposition leader T. R. Zeliang said Vikho-o said it is unfortunate for the people of Nagaland to have lost a great leader who had led an exemplary life. He recalled that Vikho-o had always maintain a neutral approach in the state assembly session.
Deputy Chief Minister Y Patton said that Vikho-o has contributed immensely towards the development of the state and he held the post with justice and integrity till his demise.
“One of his political zeal I remember him was his vocal towards the settlement of the protracted decades old Naga political issue,” he said.
State BJP president Temjen Imna Along described Vikho-o as a refined gentleman, a fine technocrat, and a great statesman, and a loyal and sincere leader, endowed with such simplicity and humility that is loved by one and all.
“His zeal and enthusiasm towards the resolution of the decades old Naga political issue can never be forgotten. Under his chairmanship, he had convened both the assembly sessions and the Joint Legislature's Forum on Indo Naga political issue were conducted smoothly successfully,” Along said.
NLA deputy speaker Sharingain Longkumer, Chief Secretary Temjen Toy and NDPP spokesperson Merentoshi R. Jamir also delivered speeches while Sesino Yhoshii Dimasha and Dr. Akho Yhokha spoke on family behalf.
Condolence messages from Nagaland’s Governor RN Ravi and Meghaya chief minister Conrad Sangma also read out at the funeral service.
Later, Rev Dr V Atsi Dolie delivered funeral message. Vikho-o Yhoshü was the second son of Visiezo and Kukhieno Yhoshü, and is survived by his wife, Jalesoü Yhoshü, ten children, and seven grandchildren.
He received his early schooling from M.E. School (Kigwema) passed his matriculation from GHS (Kohima) in 1968, and got his engineering B. Tech degree from Indian School of Mines, Dhanbad, Bihar in 1974. He was awarded with Mine Manager's First Class Certificate (FCC) of Competence in an All India Competitive Examination in 1976. He served in various capacities in student bodies, church organizations, and other associations as well.
Yhoshü began his career in government service as Assistant Manager, Coal India Ltd. in 1975, and served for thirty-two years. He voluntarily retired as OSD (Geology & Mining) equivalent to Secretary Government of Nagaland & Ex-officio Managing Director, NSMDC in 2007 to contest in the 2008 General Elections. He was elected successfully for three consecutive terms from 14th Southern Angami A/C.
Political Career
• March 2008-May 2009 (NPF): Advisor, IT & TE; Chairman DAN
• June 2009-February 2013 (NPF): Advisor, IT & C
• February 2013-April 2014 (NPF): Parliamentary Secretary, Housing, Treasuries and Accounts (T&A)
• May 2014-December 2014 (NPF): Parliamentary Secretary, Veterinary &Animal Husbandry, T&A, LMC
• January 2015-February 2017 (NPF): MLA
• February 2017-December 2017 (NPF): Parliamentary Secretary, Mechanical and Chairman NSMDC
• December 2017-January 2018 (NPF): Advisor, Mechanical and NSMDC
• March 2018 till date (NDPP): Speaker, Nagaland Legislative Assembly
Condolence message on page 5
