Vamuzo's legacy remembered on 25th death anniversary
Vamuzo's legacy remembered on 25th death anniversary
Remembering and celebrating the life and contributions of Vamuzo, the former Nagaland chief minister’s 25th death anniversary event was held on Saturday at Local Ground, Yoruba
Chief Minister
Neiphiu Rio Calls for strengthening of regional party
Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio addressing the 25th death
anniversary of Vamuzo on Saturday. (EM Images)
YORUBA — Remembering
and celebrating the life and contributions of Vamuzo, the former chief
minister’s 25th death anniversary event was held on Saturday at Local Ground,
Yoruba—organised by the Vamuzo Memorial Trust and Chozuba Range Public Organisation
(CRPO).
The current Chief Minister, Neiphiu Rio, in his address,
called for renewed efforts to strengthen the regional political party in the
state to defend and support the rights of the Naga people for posterity.
Rio recalled his association with Vamuzo since the days when
he entered politics during a tumultuous period when an Emergency was imposed in
the country, and leaders were imprisoned by military force.
He asserted that the regional party had stood for the
interests of the people by addressing local issues and safeguarding identity,
history, culture, and traditions—concerns that no other political party except
a regional party prioritises.
Rio described Vamuzo as a man of principle and integrity,
committed, straightforward, humble, and simple.
Although Vamuzo’s life was short-lived, Rio said that his
passing was not only a loss to his family but also to his village, society at
large, and the political arena, creating a vacuum. He stated that Vamuzo’s good
deeds and legacy are worth celebrating, as they continue to have a lasting
impact on people, especially farmers and the rural community.
Regarding the proposal to rename LADP after Vamuzo, Rio said
that the government would discuss the matter, acknowledging that Vamuzo's
initiative, the Compact Area Development Programme (CADP), now LADP and VDB,
cannot be forgotten.
The chief minister pointed out that during Vamuzo’s
leadership, political defection and toppling games were at their peak, and he
had a hard time managing governance while giving his best for the interest of
the people and the regional party.
Furthermore, Rio called for renewed efforts for the early
resolution of the Naga political issue and for upholding and safeguarding
traditions, identity, and culture for the sake of posterity.
Meanwhile, Padma Shri Sano Vamuzo, the wife of Vamuzo,
expressed gratitude to God and to those who had come to celebrate her deceased
husband’s life and legacy. She mentioned that Vamuzo passed away at the age of
65.
Dr. Shürhozelie Liezietsu, former Chief Minister of
Nagaland, in his speech, stated that Vamuzo’s work itself is a testament to his
contributions and should inspire people to work for the welfare and interests
of society.
MLA Achumbemo Kikon, in his speech, called upon the Nagas to
rise above tribal lines, adding that the LADP should be renamed as Vamuzo LADP.
I Imkong, former minister, recalled his long association
with Vamuzo and how he had worked for the interests of the Nagas.
Short speeches were delivered by Zapra Chakhesang, former
Chairman of NPSC, who recalled the life story of Vamuzo, while Vezühü Keyho,
President of the Chakhesang Public Organisation (CPO), requested the chief
minister to add Vamuzo's name to VDB or LADP in his honour.
Niketu Iralu, social activist, presented Vamuzo's Legacy,
while Müdihi Lohe, Head GB of Yoruba, delivered a speech on behalf of Yoruba.
Thenucho Tunyi, Chairman of the Vamuzo Memorial Trust, who
led the programme, gave a brief life history of Vamuzo.
Nibano V. Swuro, daughter of Vamuzo, presented a special
song, while folk songs were performed by Yorübami Uzuneko, Lüsekro, and
Thüpukha Sapu. A special song was also presented by the Yorübami Welfare
Organisation, Kohima.
