Thousands pay final respect to late Thepushu Venuh

Thipuzu, April 28 (MExN): Thousands of people today thronged Thipuzumi Local Ground under Phek district and paid their homage and final respect to late Thepushu Venuh, Vice President of Naga National Council, whose mortal remains were brought to his ancestral village, 43 years after his assassination on November 27, 1979.

The programme was organised by the Chakhesang Public Organization (CPO) in honour of the life of late Venuh.

At the event, Tavehu Thingo shared a brief life-sketch of late Venuh and described him as an honest and courageous person.

Vezalhu Nyekha, a member of Retrieval Mission in bringing the mortal remains from Myanmar, stated that “this (mission) was God's will/ intervention which was prayed for many years by the people.”

CPO president Vezuhu Keyho termed late Venuh ‘not only a great Chakhesang leader but a Naga leader, a true gentleman who kept his words and stood for the nation.’

Chakhesang Mothers Association (CMA) president Zhonelu Tunyi stressed on the need to have unity and understanding amongst the community.

Legislator Dr Chotisuh Sazo and Vezhoduyi Nakro, president Chakhesang Youth Front (CYF) also spoke on the occasion.

The NNC/FGN also honoured the strength and principle of late Venuh.

Other speakers called for unity and understanding amongst different groups and stated the departed Vice President was a ‘symbol of unity.’

 Some shared that many good leaders were killed for refusing to follow the 'socialist political ideology'.

The gathering also saw reaffirmation of Chakhesang's stand under the NNC principles of May 16 1951 Plebiscite, according to CPO.

Later, the funeral rites were ministered by Rev Khrotso Mero, executive secretary, Chakhesang Baptist Church Council.
 
A true nationalist: WC, NNPGs

Meanwhile, in a message, the Convener WC, NNPGs called the occasion a heart touching moment for the Naga people as late Venuh's mortal remains have been finally retrieved and brought home at Thepazurni village under Chakhesang region, to rest alongside his ancestors after more than forty years.

The Working Committee, Naga National Political Groups (WC, NNPGs) believes a significant step has been achieved by the CPO, the family and concerned Chakhesang patriots in deciding to give our late leader a befitting final resting place, it said. 

As per history, late Venuh (1928-1979) was a “true nationalist, a gifted orator, statesman, diplomat of NNC and a true leader of man. He met and conversed with a number of world leaders of his day and led an inspiring life for those around him,” it added. 

A trusted confidant of AZ Phizo, he had a premonition that his eventful life was in danger  and even at the last moments, “with gun barrels pointed at him, he courageously inspired the killers and gave thanks to Jehovah before eventually being silenced,” the WC, NNPGs maintained. 

As per the Committee, late Venuh was “arrested, imprisoned and killed on November 27, 1979 for his unshakable trust in then undivided NNC, at the command of nascent communist inspired NSCN authors.”

 “Now the issue is between God Almighty, the creator of Nagaland and those who ordered and committed hundreds of such abominable killings of fellow Nagas,” it added. 

Today, more than forty years after his death, we celebrate his earthly homecoming and he deserves a noble spot, the garlands, grass and flowers, folk tunes and happy praises from the young and elderly, even though forty years late, it said. 

The WC, NNPGs further saluted late Venuh for his integrity and commitment to Naga cause. 

“Generations have elapsed but his exemplary courage is freshly retold. May his descendants in particular and Chakhesangs in general be blessed with great patriots like him,” it added. 

Brief biography of late Venuh

-    Popularly known as TP Venuh, he was the last Vice President of the unified Naga National Council (NNC).

-    Born in 1928 at Thipuzumi village, he was the first son of Venucho Venuh and Nuhiitalu Venuh.

-    Received his early education at Phüdozho (present North Kikriima) and higher schooling at Chozuba and Mission School, Kohima.

-    Participated in the Naga Voluntary Plebiscite in 1951.

-    1st Chairman of Thipuzumi Progressive Meeting in 1954; President of Thipüzumi Students' Union the same year.

-    Joined the Naga National Movement on March 12, 1956.

-    Served as NNC Representative in Kachinland, and his camp on a mountain was later named TP Zawtu after him.
-    Went to China twice for the Naga Political cause and met Chairman Mao Tse Tung (late Mao Zedong), resulting in the procurement of huge quantity of arms and ammunitions.

-    Met Zulfikar Ali Bhutto to garner support for the Naga Political Cause.

-    Elected as Tatar in August 1974.

-    Elected as the Vice President of NNC on March 9, 1979.

-    Assassinated on November 27, 1979 for his refusal to accept ‘socialist political ideology.’

(Source: Note of brief biography of Thepushu Venuh made available at the programme).