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DIMAPUR — Following the demise of Dr. Huskha Yepthomi, working president of the Naga People's Front (NPF), condolences have poured in from politicians and organisations alike.
Yepthomi died on May 21 at Zion Hospital and Research Centre, Dimapur, after a brief illness.
Neiphiu Rio: On Wednesday, Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, condoling his demise, stated that Yepthomi was a sincere and passionate leader who genuinely cared for the welfare of the people, especially those in the marginalised section.
Rio mentioned in a condolence note that he had served in various organisations since his early days, showing his heart to serve people and that his contributions will be dearly remembered by all those who encountered him.
“His demise is a great loss, especially for the Naga People's Front party, the Nagas and the Sumi community in particular. The emptiness created by his demise will be difficult to fill,” he said.
“In this hour of bereavement, my family joins me in conveying our deepest condolences to the bereaved family members. May Almighty God give you comfort and courage to bear the irreparable loss. May the departed soul rest in eternal peace,” it concluded.
Naga People's Front: President of the Naga People's Front, Apong Pongener, condoling the demise of late Yepthomi, said that he rendered his best of time to the grand old party.
Pongener described Yepthomi as a courageous and strong regionalist whose voice was important on issues concerning the party in particular and the Nagas in general.
He stated that the party regarded him as a guide, seasoned, and mature leader who stood firm on Naga political issues and that he had been involved in several civil society organisations throughout his life, assisting in the resolution of various issues beneficial to the people of his own community and the Nagas in general.
“He was a man of his word, God-fearing, and maintained his integrity till his last breath,” the note added.
Furthermore, he stated that with Yepthomi's death, the party has lost a fatherly figure who will be difficult to replace.
"I, on my own behalf and on behalf of the NPF, extend my heartfelt and sincere condolences to his bereaved beloved wife and all the other family members in this hour of sorrow. May his soul rest in eternal peace with the Lord,” it read.
Y Patton: Deputy CM (Home, Border Affairs) Y Patton also condoled the death of Yepthomi, describing him as a stalwart of regional politics who served the people well.
He said that in his demise, people have lost a leader, which is a great loss not only for his party but for the Nagas as a whole.
He extended his condolences to the bereaved family and prayed for the soul of the deceased to find eternal peace.
TR Zeliang: Deputy CM (Planning and Transformation, National Highway) TR Zeliang, in a condolence message, said he was closely associated with Yepthomi in politics, their party, and other social activities for a long time.
He added that Yepthomi was a remarkable person—honest, charismatic, kind, and always willing to lend a helping hand. The Dy. CM said Yepthomi devoted his entire life to uplifting people as a politician.
He conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and prayed they find comfort in the cherished memories and love they shared with Yepthomi.
Kuzholuzo (Azo) Nienu: The leader of the NPF Legislature Party, Kuzholuzo (Azo) Nienu, while condoling the demise of Yepthomi, stated that words are inadequate to express the sorrow and grief they are experiencing with the loss of one of the most towering Naga leaders.
He said in a note that Yepthomi was a pillar of the oldest regional political party. Nienu added that Yepthomi's service to Naga society, particularly to the Naga regional political party, will always be an example of true leadership.
Further, he noted that throughout his life, Yepthomi led the party with experience and dedication to the welfare of the Naga people and the party
‘His demise is indeed an irreplaceable loss to the party and the vacuum he created will be difficult to fill,’ he said.
CL John: Minister of Forest, Environment and Climate Change, and Village Guards, CL John, in his condolence note, stated that the deceased was a prominent political figure and regionalist. He served in NGOs in various capacities and was the former president of Sumi Hoho and GB of Yemishe Village.
John stated that he was closely associated with Yepthomi, particularly during their time together in the NPF party. He said Yepthomi was a sincere, hardworking, and competent public leader and that it would be very difficult to fill the vacuum caused by his death.
Kulolau Yeputhomi Kuposhukulu: The Kulolau Yeputhomi Kuposhukulu (KYK) also condoled the demise of Yepthomi, calling him one of the tallest Sumi leaders.
In a condolence note, the KYK stated that Yepthomi was a renowned leader and a knowledgeable elder who dedicated his life to the Sumi community in particular and to Nagas in general.
‘The KYK wholeheartedly acknowledges his unselfish contributions in various capacities towards our people and in his demise, our society has lost a dynamic leader and a true son of the soil,’ it said.
All Sümi Students’ Union: The All Sümi Students’ Union (SKK) expressed deep pain and sadness at learning about the death of Yepthomi, former president of Sumi Hoho, describing him as a tall leader who dedicated his life to serving his community.
In a condolence message, the SKK mentioned that he had also served as its vice president in 1964, adding that he was a man of great intellect and vision whose service to the Sumi community and the Nagas would always be cherished.
Sumi Discussion Forum: Sumi Discussion Forum (SDF), condoling the demise of Yepthomi, chief of Yemishe village, stated that his death is undoubtedly a great loss for the people of the state and the Nagas in general.
It said that he contributed immensely to social, political, and various causes, devoting half of his life to social causes and that he was an outspoken personality well-versed in the wisdom of the Sumi and Naga political struggles.
The forum stated that his legacy of leadership and dedication to society will be remembered, and it extended its condolences to the bereaved family members, praying that the departed soul rests in eternal peace.
Also read: NPF working president Huskha no more