Dimapur, April 28 (EMN): Over a thousand people on Thursday thronged to pay homage and final respect to Late Thepushu Venuh, vice president of NNC, whose mortal remains was brought to his ancestral village after 43 years, since his assassination on November 27, 1979.
The programme, organised by the Chakhesang Public Organisation (CPO) at Thipüzumi village local ground in Phek district, saw an emotional crowd that welcomed him and words of gratitude were showered for his supreme sacrifice.
During the programme, Tavehu Thingo shared a brief life-sketch of the deceased leader and remembered Thepushu Venuh as an honest and courageous person. Thingo recalled an incident where Thepushu Venuh was ambushed by the Indian army but was left unharmed despite bullets coming from all sides. He also recalled the struggle that his wife and two children had faced after he was killed.
Vezalhu Nyekha, a member of the Retrieval Mission in bringing the mortal remains from Myanmar, stated that “this (mission) was God's will/ intervention as prayed for many years by the people”.
MLA Dr. Chotisuh Sazo has highlighted the history of the Naga movement and the 9th Point Agreement, which the Indian government failed to keep leading to the Plebiscite of 1951 agreed by 99.9% Naga. He also shared that the eight-member team went to receive the remains of Late Thepushu from the eastern side.
President of Chakhesang Mothers Association (CMA), Zhonelu Tunyi, has stressed on the need to have unity and understanding amongst the community, while the president of Chakhesang Youth Front (CYF), Vezhoduyi Nakro, challenged the gathering to stand firm in their cause under the banner of NNC.
CPO president, Vezuhu Keyho, stated that Late Thepushu Venuh was not only a great Chakhesang leader but a Naga leader, a true gentleman who kept his words, worked towards and stood for the nation.
“In life and death situation, he did what he was meant to do and chose death. He was a confidant of AZ Phizo and today Chakhesang people celebrate his life and shared that today's event is historic day,” Keyho said.
NNC/FGN also honoured the strength and principle of Late Thepushu Venuh.
The Working Committee of the Naga National Political Groups (WC-NNPG) has saluted Thepushu Venuh for his integrity and commitment to Naga cause, who was arrested, imprisoned and killed on November 27, 1979.
In a message, WC-NNPG convenor has described Venuh as a true nationalist, a gifted orator, statesman, diplomat of NNC and a true leader of man, who met and conversed with a number of world leaders of his day and led an inspiring life for those around him. The message added that even at the last moments, with gun barrels pointed at him, Venuh courageously inspired the killers and gave thanks to Jehovah before eventually being silenced.
“Today, more than forty years after his death, we celebrate his earthly homecoming although in a humble casket. His mortal remains deserve the gentle breeze of his beloved village. He deserves a noble spot, the garlands, grass and flowers of youthful Chakhesangs. He deserves folk tunes and happy praises from the young and elderly, even though forty years late,” the message read.
WC NNPG also lauded the Chakhesang Public Organisation (CPO), the family and concerned Chakhesang patriots in deciding to give the late leader a befitting final resting place. It further wished that his descendants in particular and Chakhesangs in general be blessed with great patriots like him.