Th Muivah, NNC, NPMHR, NSCN/GPRN groups and Nagaland Gorkha Association mourn Thinoselie Keyho
DIMAPUR — NSCN/GPRN Ato Kilonser Th Muivah, the Naga National Council (NNC), the Naga Peoples Movement for Human Rights (NPMHR), the Provisional Government of NSCN/GPRN, the NSCN/GPRN (Yung Aung) and Nagaland Gorkha Association have mourned the demise of NNC President Gen. (Retd.) Thinoselie M Keyho, who passed away at Naga Civil Hospital, Kohima, on October 30 at the age of 96.
In his condolence message, Th Muivah described Keyho as a dear friend and lifelong comrade with whom he had journeyed together in the national resistance movement for decades.
Recalling their years as comrades in the NNC, Muivah said those were years of great challenges but also years that forged bonds of friendship and comradeship that time could never erase.
He described Keyho as a true patriot and a man of vision who always carried the hopes and aspirations of the Naga people close to his heart. Muivah recalled that even during his illness, Keyho's thoughts remained with the people and the future of the nation. He encouraged Muivah never to lose heart, reminding him that a settlement must ultimately be reached.
Also read: NNC president Thinoselie Keyho passes away at 96
He conveyed his deepest condolences to the bereaved family on behalf of the NSCN/GPRN.
The NNC, in a condolence message issued by General Secretary V Nagi, described Keyho as a steadfast and unwavering supporter of Naga sovereignty who stood firm and worked tirelessly for the Naga people and their homeland.
It stated that Keyho was among the earliest Naga leaders to undertake arduous journeys through the jungles, reaching China, Pakistan and Europe to advance the cause of Naga independence.
It mentioned that following the fragmentation of the NNC, he continued to work towards Naga unity. He also served as Vice President of the NNC under Rev. Merhüpfü Kent and later held the same position under Gen. (Retd.) I Panger Walling.
The NNC called upon all national workers and the Naga people to honour and remember Keyho for his sacrifices, loyalty and unwavering service to the nation.
Meanwhile, NPMHR Secretary General Neingulo Krome said Keyho was among the few prominent leaders who nurtured and strengthened the Naga political movement.
He recalled that the NPMHR had the honour and privilege of associating with him on many occasions and issues concerning the Naga people.
Krome said Keyho's works for the Naga nation and the extensive missions he undertook to neighbouring countries during the most trying moments of history had, in many ways, salvaged and strengthened the national movement.
Krome said the organisation was shocked by his passing, having been unaware of his hospitalisation. The NPMHR conveyed condolences to his wife, children and other family members.
The Provisional Government of NSCN/GPRN, in a message issued through its Media and Publicity Cell, recalled Keyho's early involvement in the Naga movement, his role as a military commander during the 1966-1967 expedition to China and his later service as president of the NNC.
It stated that his efforts to preserve Naga history, uphold the political aspirations of the Naga people and encourage reconciliation among divided Naga groups deserved sincere recognition.
The organisation said that despite differing perspectives on history and politics, the significance of a life spent in service and his place in the story of the Naga people could still be recognised.
The NSCN/GPRN (Yung Aung), through its Ministry of Information and Publicity, described Keyho as a distinguished Naga revolutionary soldier and devoted patriot who dedicated 70 years of his life to the freedom struggle for the Naga nation.
It stated that Keyho belonged to a generation that carried the burden of the Naga struggle through some of its most difficult and uncertain periods.
The organisation honoured his lifelong service and pledged to carry forward his enduring legacy.
The Nagaland Gorkha Association, through its President Nobin Pradhan, also expressed profound sorrow over Keyho's demise.
It recalled that Keyho was a former President of the Angami Public Organisation and one of the longest-serving veterans of Naga national service, whose contributions would remain an enduring part of Naga history.
The organisations conveyed condolences to the bereaved family, relatives and friends and prayed for the departed soul.