Staff Reporter
DIMAPUR, NOVEMBER 26
Rajya Sabha member from Nagaland, Khekiho Zhimomi died at AIIMS, New Delhi on Thursday morning following a stroke. He is survived by wife Khezheli Zhimomi, two sons, six daughters and eight grandchildren. He was 69.
His funeral service will be held at Agri Expo (4th Mile), Dimapur at 11 am.
Khekiho was admitted to the hospital three days ago. He was shifted to ICU last evening and was declared dead at 6.20 AM today.
“He was admitted to AIIMS three days ago with heart ailment and his condition worsened last evening, following which he was shifted to ICU,” a senior doctor at AIIMS said.
An active social worker who strived for the uplift of weaker sections and downtrodden, Zhimomi represented the state of Nagaland in the Rajya Sabha, which was adjourned for the day as a mark of respect to the departed leader.
He was a Rajya Sabha member for two terms - from July 2008 to April 2010 and from April 2010 till his demise today.
He was first elected to the Nagaland Legislative Assembly in 1989 and served as MLA for three terms from 1989 to 1992, from 1993 to 1997 and from 2003 to 2008.
He also served as Cabinet Minister in charge of Industries and Commerce in the Nagaland People’s Council Government headed by Chief Minister Vamuzo in 1990.
Zhimomi was chairman of Zhimomi Group Of Industries (ZGI) and had business interests in a number of sectors.
Born on February 19, 1946, in Nagaland, he leaves behind seven daughters and two sons.
He was a student leader and founding member of Nagaland Students’ Federation.
Parliamentary Affairs Venkaiah Naidu along with Ministers of State Jitender Singh and Kiren Rijiju visited AIIMS and paid floral tributes to Zhimomi.
Zhimomi had recently visited Myanmar with National Security Advisor Ajit Doval for the signing of peace agreement between several insurgent groups and the Myanmar government.
Meanwhile, the Rajya Sabha was adjourned after an obituary reference to Zhimomi, who Chairman M. Hamid Ansari described as an “active social worker who strived for the upliftment of weaker and downtrodden sections of society”.
Condolence service held at AIIMS, New Delhi
A short condolence service was held at AIIMS Hospital, Chaired by Naga Christian Fellowship Chaplin Dr. Rev.N. Ricky Medom. Speech by Member of Parliament Lok Sabha and former Chief Minister Nagaland Nephiu Rio shared a brief history of his colleague Khekiho Zhimomi’s life followed by a speech from H.K.Sema, former Supreme Court Judge, speech by R.N.Ravi Interlocuter Naga Peace Process and Joint Intelligence Committee and on behalf of Naga students Delhi, speech by President NSUD Mr Micheal Aye. A words of God and a prayer by Rev. Pastor .N Ricky Medom.
Government of India, Vice President Hamid Ansari paid a homage to MP Rajya Sabha Late Khekiho Zhemomi.
Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi was represented by his colleagues Union Cabinet Minister Venkaiah Naidu , Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, Urban Development, Housing and Poverty Allevation, Dr Jitendra Singh, Minister of State (Independent Charge) Development of North Eastern Region, Kiren Rijiju, Minister of State for Home Affairs.
Also the VIP who paid homage to MP Late Khekiho Zhemomi includes M.M.Jacob Deputy Chairman Rajya Sabha, P.D.Rai Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha) from Sikkim State, Hishey Lachungpa, Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha) Parliamentary Secretary, IPR, Government of Nagaland Khekaho Assumi, Parliamentary Secretary Deo Nukhu and MLA Thomas Ngullie, Ex MP Lok Sabha Asangba Sangtam, Ex Minister Nagland K.V, Ex MLA Asukeyhou, Mrs Abeiu Meru, President Naga Mother Association and officers from Ministry and Nagaland House, New Delhi and well wishers of Late Khekiho Zhimomi and family also paid homage to the departed soul.
