Dimapur, Jan. 16: Former minister and Interim Body member and a Padmashree Award recipient, late Tokheho, was laid to rest on January 14 in an emotional funeral service held at Sumi Martyrs Park in Sukhalu village, Zunheboto. People from all walks of life gathered to pay their last tribute.
Parliamentary Secretary of Jail, Science and Technology, Hukavi Zhimomi described late Tokheho as a charismatic and an able leader who gave his all to the people. Hukavi also shared his fond memories with late Tokheho and said Nagas in general and Sumi in particular have lost a visionary leader.
Parliamentary Secretary of Soil and Water Conservation, Pukhayi Assumi described late Tokheho as a leader with patience, tolerance and a good human being who did his best for the future generations. President of Sumi Hoho, Toniho Yepthomi described late Tokheho as a leader who contributed his best for the Sumi community adding his contributions and sacrifices towards the community would be remembered by the Sumis for all time to come.
Others who spoke included former Parliamentary Secretary Dr. KC Nihoshe Yepthomi; NPF working president and president of Yepthomi
Union Nagaland, Huskha Yeptho; President of Yepthomi Union, Zunheboto,
Kakihe Yeptho; President of Sumi Kukami Hoho, Ghovito Zhimo; president of Sumi Kiphire District, Zhetovi; Secretary of Sumi literature board,
HS Rotokha; and former president and advisor of Sumi Hoho, Hovishe Arkha.
Relatives who spoke at the funeral included Er. Atoho Achumi, Dr. Hokishe Yeptho, Hokugha Zhimo, Kitoli Yeptho.
Born on November 24, 1932, at Sukhalu village, late Tokheho was actively involved in the welfare of the Naga people. He was elected to Naga People’s Convention (NPC) in 1959 becoming the youngest member of Interim Body. He was elected to NLA in 1969, 1974 and was inducted as cabinet minister for Civil Supplies and PWD. He was again elected in 1989 and was the cabinet minister of PHED.
Late Tokheho was also an active social worker who was associated with many organisations in various capacities such as founder of Zunheboto Arts College in 1975; executive member of Sema Baptist Church Association (1984-1986); founder and 1st president of Sumi GBs’ Association (1984-1997); secretary of Naga GBs’ Federation (1995-1997) and president Naga GBs’ Federation (1997-1999).
