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Members of Nagaland College of Music & Fine Arts presenting a song during the send-off service of N Theyo in Kohima on Friday.[/caption]
Our Correspondent
Kohima, Aug. 30 (EMN): A send-off service for Netsuto Theyo, former minister and chairman of Nagaland Peace Centre (NPC), was held at the Jubilee Memorial Hall of Chakhesang Baptist Church Kitsubozou (CBCK ) on Friday in Kohima.
Hailing from Thenyizu village in Phek district, Theyo passed away at around 8.40 pm on August 29 at Oking Hospital in Kohima after a brief illness. He is survived by three sons and four daughters.
Speaking at the funeral service, MLA Chotisuh Sazo said Theyo was the first among the Thenyuzumi to embrace Christianity, who immensely contributed to the development of the church in his native village. He also made remarkable contribution towards development of the village, according to the legislator.
Sazo also shared how Theyo had played a major role in bringing development to the entire Phek district with his tireless efforts as a minister and a politician. He went on to say that Theyo was also an active social worker and peacemaker, who had served as the chairman of NPC till his last breath.
Pedi Miachio, the executive director of NPC, said Theyo had performed the role of the NPC Chairman since 1994, and actively pursued peace process as well as socio-economic development of the state.
At his demise, NPC has lost the architect of its peace mission, and the vacuum created by his death would be difficult to fill, said Miachio.
Thepuphi Kapuh, the president of Thenyizumi Union Kohima, said that because of Theyo, the village had accepted Christianity in 1947.
Dr. Keveduyi Theyo and Dr. Adela Mero, who spoke on behalf of the family said Theyo was a caring, loving, father who lived 88 fruitful and fulfilling long years.
They maintained that their father was a man of principle and integrity, who also loved music.
Rev. Dr. Kevekhalo Lasuh, Sr. Pastor of CBCK, said that Theyo had given a wonderful testimony during his life. “He was a God-fearing father, the best father in the church,” said the senior pastor and reminded the congregation that they should thank God for the gift of love, compassion, leadership and countless blessings that Theyo had possessed and displayed.
The Reverend also pronounced the benediction before the mortal remains of late Theyo were taken to his native village.
Rev. Khrotso Mero, Executive Secretary, CBCC; Z Lohe representing Chakhesang Public Organisation also spoke during the service.
During the programme, Rev. Dr. Vetso Koza, pastor at CBCK, read out the condolence messages of Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio; former Chief Minister and Governor SC Jamir; Parliamentarians and Ex-Parliamentarians’ Association of Nagaland (PEPAN); president URA Academy etc.
Work profile of Theyo
Deputy minister for PWD and Electricity in May 1966; Cabinet Minister for Transport & Communication, CD & TD Block and Town & Country Planning in 1971; President of Kohima Government High School Students Union from 1955-56; President of Chakhesang Students Conference from 1959-61; General Secretary and Vice President of the Kohima District Students Conference in 1960-61; President of the Naga Students Union, Shillong from 1961-62; Assistant Head Master, Phek HE School from 1962-63; Vice-President of the Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC-I) from 1983 to 1995; Member of the All India Congress Committee (I) from 1983-93; President of the Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC-I) from June 1995 to June 1997 .
Rio mourns Theyo’s passing
Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio has expressed deep pain over the demise of Theyo. In a condolence message, Rio described the former minister as a philanthropist to the core.
“He dedicated his entire life for the betterment of the Nagas and in his demise, not only his family or the Chakhesang community, but the entire Nagas have lost a leader who worked tirelessly for the betterment of the people and the society.
“My wife and family join me in expressing our deepest condolences to the members of the bereaved family. It is our sincere prayer that Almighty God will give you strength and solace to bear this loss,” read the message.