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Wokha, July 25 (EMN): Former minister and ex-member of Nagaland Interim body T Kikon passed away early Sunday morning at his residence in Wokha town. He was 88.
His funeral was attended by various leaders and elders; while advisors Mhathung Yanthan and Mmhonlumo Kikon and spokesperson of NPF Achumbemo Kikon paid the last tribute.
Tsenlamo Kikon was born on May 25, 1933 to Assemo Kikon and Yimono at Yimpang village. He received his primary education in his village and high school in Wokha. He graduated in Arts from St. Anthony's College, Shillong in 1960. When Kikon returned from college, he was selected as one of the members representing the Lotha tribe to the Nagaland Interim Body in 1960.
Kikon's political career spanned over 48 years, where he served as minister in the state of Nagaland and contributed immensely to the people of Nagaland as a whole. He retired from active politics in 2008. He was actively associated with various committees and organisations in different capacities for the development of the state and the final political settlement of the Naga issue. Kikon also led a good will mission, consisting of members of legislative assembly and public leaders from Nagaland, along with Assam counterparts, visiting border villages of Assam in November 1965, for improving traditional relations and better understanding amongst the people of the two sister states.
Some of his notable contributions were formation of Wokha district; formation of Bhandari sub-division; formation of Mount Tiyi College, Wokha; formation of Don Bosco School, Wokha; formation of Kyong Academy (now known as Lotha Academy) and served as its first president. Besides these, he had published several books namely, “The Lothas in the Age of Awakening” “Nino nti yan la?”, “Kyong jiang osi ote sataronda”, and “An Autobiography: Beyond the Banyan Tree”.
Kikon is survived by his wife of 58 years, Athelo, two sons and five daughters.
Mhathung Yanthan and Mmhonlumo Kikon paid tributes at the funeral service held at his residence on Sunday. They stated that he was a pioneer, a visionary leader who stood tall in the field of politics and executed his assignments for the welfare of the people.
Mmhonlumo Kikon further mentioned T Kikon as a "guiding shining star", who has made a legacy for the Lothas and Nagas. He added that late T Kikon was a politician, an author and a self-trained anthropologist.
Condolence messages from Nagaland Chief Minister Nephio Rio and NDPP president Chingwang Konyak were delivered at the funeral service.
Meanwhile, Deputy Commissioner of Wokha Orenthung Lotha, paying tribute conveyed the condolence message of Governor of Nagaland RN Ravi. Lotha Hoho Chairman Mhondamo Lotha also paid a tribute and share condolences on behalf of the Lotha populace.
Governor of Nagaland RN Ravi expressed sadness at the sudden demise of T Kikon, one of the four ex-Interim body members and former minister, who passed away in Wokha on Sunday.
“Late Shri T Kikon was a great visionary leader who, under the most adverse circumstances risking his life and that of his family members, worked untiringly and selflessly for building a peaceful and prosperous future for the people of Nagaland.
“In his demise, India has lost a tall and prominent leader and the people of Nagaland one of the founding fathers of the State,” the condolence message read.
Ravi further conveyed heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family members and prayed to God to grant them solace at their hour of grief.
Chief Minister of Nagaland, Neiphiu Rio also condoled the demise of T Kikon, who passed away at the age of 88.
“Kikon started his political career in the early 1960s. He was six-time member of Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA) and also was one of the four ex-Interim Body Members (IBM) from Lotha community. He retired from active politics in 2008 and has authored several books. The most recent book was his autobiography,Beyond the Banyan Tree,” an update from the chief minister stated.
Rio shared that he had several interactions with Kikon over the past several years, adding that he was a “principled person who had a reputation of being a leader with integrity having a deep commitment to serve the public especially the weaker sections of society.”
“Naga society in general and Lotha community in particular have lost a father figure and a true son of the soil. The vacuum created by his demise will be difficult to fill,” read the statement.
The chief minister further conveyed heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family members and prayed that Almighty God give them strength and courage to bear this irreparable loss.