State declares 3-day mourning
Speaker of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA), Vikho-o Yhoshü passed away at a Mumbai hospital on Monday morning after a brief illness. He was 67 and is survived by his wife Jalesou Yhoshü, 10 children– four sons and six daughters and seven grandchildren.
The body of late Yhoshü will be flown from Mumbai to Dimapur on December 31 at 12.30 p.m. A state funeral service will be accorded to late Vikho-o on January 1 at the official residence of the Speaker. Later, the body will taken to Kimipfuphe ground Kigwema, at its final resting place.
3-day mourning declared: As mark of respect to late Vikho-o Yhoshü, the state government has declared a three-day mourning in the state from December 30, 2019 to January 1, 2020. In an order, chief secretary Temjen Toy informed that during the three-day mourning, the national flag will be flown half-mast throughout Nagaland where it is regularly flown. Also it there will be no official entertainment during this period.
Born on October 1, 1951, Yhoshü did his early schooling from Kohima Government High School, from where he did his matriculation in 1968. Thereafter, he did his Pre-University from Cotton College, Guwahati, in 1969. He then did his B Tech (1st class with honours) from Indian School of Mines, Dhanbad in 1974 and Certificate in Industrial Engineering and Management from the same institute in 1976. He was awarded Mine Manager’s First Class Certificate of Competency in All India Competitive Examination, in 1976.
In his social life, Yhoshü served as joint secretary of Angami Students’ Union in 1973-74; games & sports secretary of ISM in 1973-74; general secretary of All Naga Engineering Students’ Association (ANESA) in 1972-73; president of ANESA in 1973-74; vice president of Nagaland Handball Association from 2000 to 2006.
He was also involved with and served as chairman of Kigwema Baptist Church building committee in 2000-2007 and convener of village support group and Kigwema Union, Kohima from 1995 to 2007.
Yhoshü joined Coal India Ltd in March 1975 as assistant manager and served there till April 1980, before joining as officer on special duty (OSD) in geology & mining (G&M) department, then served as deputy/joint secretary in Nagaland Civil Secretariat from May 1980 to March 1996; OSD (G&M) equivalent to additional secretary and ex-officio managing director of Nagaland State Mineral Development Corporation Ltd from April 1996 to August 2002; OSD (G&M) equivalent to secretary and ex-officio managing director of NSMDC from September 2002 to August 2007.
He entered politics and successfully contested the 2008 general election on NPF ticket and got elected to the 11th NLA from 14 Southern Angami-1 Assembly constituency. He was adviser (IT&TE), chairman of Development Authority of Nagaland from March 2008 to May 2009 and adviser (IT&C) from June 2009 to February 2013.
Yhoshü was re-elected to the 12th NLA from the same constituency on NPF ticket and served as parliamentary secretary of housing, treasuries & accounts (T&A) from February 2013 to April 2014; parliamentary secretary of animal husbandry & veterinary, T&A and legal metrology & consumer protection from May 2014 to December 2014, parliamentary secretary of mechanical & chairman NSMDC from February 2017 to December 2017 and adviser mechanical & NSMDC from December 2017 to January 2018.
He got re-elected for the third consecutive time in 2018 from the same Constituency on NDPP ticket and was elected as NLA speaker on March 13, 2018.
Gov, CM lead in condoling Vikho’s demise
Gov: Governor of Nagaland and Meghalaya, RN Ravi, has expressed shock at the untimely demise of NLA speaker Vikho-o Yhoshü, and conveyed his deepest condolences to the bereaved family members.
In a condolence message, the Governor stated that in the demise of late Vikho-o, people of Nagaland have lost a tall and a prominent leader.
Ravi prayed that the Almighty God give strength and fortitude to the bereaved family members to “bear with this devastating loss”.
CM: State chief minister Neiphiu Rio has expressed deep shock and grief at the untimely demise of NLA speaker Vikho-o Yhoshü, and said that his zeal and enthusiasm in rendering his selfless services towards the resolution of the decades old Naga Political Issue can never be forgotten and the vacuum created by his demise will be difficult to fill.
In a condolence message to Mrs. Jalesou Yhoshü & family, the chief minister described late Vikho-o as a brilliant, kind-hearted and highly capable leader.
On a personal level, Rio said their association grew stronger over the years as they worked together for the people. “I found him to be always concerned for the Nagas and the indomitable Naga-ness in him was the main driving force behind his service to the people,” Rio said.
The chief minister also recalled that Joint Legislators’ Forum on the Naga Political Issue, comprising of all 60 Elected Members irrespective of political party affiliation, was reconstituted under his Chairmanship on September 18, 2018.
The chief minister, on behalf of the Government of Nagaland and as Leader of the House and on his own behalf, expressed deepest condolences to the members of the bereaved family and prayed that Almighty God grant each and every one strength and solace in this hour of grief.
Dy CM: State deputy chief minister Y Patton has expressed grief over the untimely demise of NLA speaker, Vikho-o Yhoshu and said that in his death, the Nagas have lost a fine technocrat and a public leader.
In a condolence message, Patton recalled his association with late Yhoshu and described him as a visionary politician. Deputy CM said late Yoshu’s simplicity earned him the respect of his colleagues and the people.
Patton also shared his grief with the bereaved family and prayed for the departed to find eternal peace.
NLA deputy speaker: Expressing shock over the demise of NLA speaker Vikho-o Yhoshu, NLA deputy speaker Sharingain Longkumer said in his demise the State has lost a tall and a charismatic political leader, which was difficult to fill in.
In a condolence message, Longkumer described late Yhoshu as a fine gentlemen and a good leader, who was loved by one and all.
Recalling that late Yhoshu very learned, diplomatic and a great statesman, NLA deputy speaker said he had convened both the Assembly Sessions and the Joint Legislators Forum on Naga Political issue smoothly and successfully.
NLA deputy speaker, on behalf of the 13th Nagaland Legislative Assembly, conveyed heartfelt condolences to Mrs. Jalesou Yhoshu and children. He prayed that the Good Lord grant solace to the bereaved family members.
Minister Kronu: Minister for planning & coordination, land revenue and parliamentary affairs Neiba Kronu has expressed deep grief over the sudden demise of NLA speaker late Vikho-o Yhoshu, and said the state has lost a humble soul.
In a condolence message, Kronu described late Yhoshu as a loyal and sincere leader and said he was always ready to serve others.
The minister conveyed his deepest condolences to the bereaved family and prayed that his gentle soul rest in peace.
Minister Imna Along: Minister of higher & technical education and tribal affairs, Temjen Imna Along, has expressed deep sadness over the passing of NLA speaker Vikho-o Yhoshu, and said that his absence in the 13th NLA would be dearly missed.
In a condolence message, Along described late Yhoshü as a prolific leader, who was well known for his humility. Minister stated that in his demise the state as well as the PDA government has lost a refined leader of noblest character.
In this moment of grief and sorrow, Along conveyed his deepest condolences to the bereaved family and prayed for the dearly departed soul to rest in eternal peace.
NPF president: Naga People’s Front (NPF) president, Dr. Shürhozelie Liezietsu, expressed deep grief over the demise of late Er. Vikho-o Yhoshu, and said that the Naga people, in his demise, have lost a great politician and a leader whose contributions would ever be “etched prominently in our minds.”
In a condolence message, Dr. Shürhozelie said that late Yhoshu could be best known for his simplicity and honesty. He said late Yhoshu had great concern for the uplift of his people and the Naga people, adding that the vacuum created by his demise would be difficult to be replaced.
NPF president said that the party deeply mourned his demise and conveyed its heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family.
MP Lok Sabha: Nagaland’s lone Lok Sabha Member of Parliament (MP) Tokheho Yepthomi has expressed deep sadness at the passing of NLA speaker, Er. Vikho-o Yhoshu and said that his absence would be felt for times to come.
In a condolence message, MP described late Yhoshu as a humble and dedicated person who strived to make Nagaland state a better place. Yepthomi said late Yhoshu’s work and dedication for his people enabled him to win the trust of his constituency electorates, who elected him for the third consecutive time as MLA. In his demise, MP said the state has lost a humble person and a dedicated leader. Yepthomi also conveyed deepest condolences to bereaved family members.
Advisor Noke: Advisor Social Welfare, Home Guards & Civil Defence, Noke Wangnao, has expressed deep grief at the sad demise of Vikho-o Yhoshu, NLA speaker and said his passing was a great loss not only to his family and to his tribe but to the whole Naga community.
In a condolence message, Noke described late Yhoshu as a man of honour, one who embodied truth without apologies and a humble leader.
Advisor conveyed deepest sympathy to the bereaved family at this hour of grief and prayed that Almighty Father’s love and comfort be with them.
MLA Azo: Kuzholuzo (Azo) Nienu, MLA from 19 Phek A/C, has mounred the death of NLA speaker Er Vikho-o Yhoshu and said the state has lost another humble soul and a great leader.
MLA conveyed his deepest condolences to the bereaved family members and prayed that his soul rest in peace.
NPCC president: Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC) president K Therie has expressed deep pain over the demise of NLA speaker Er. Vikho-o Yhoshü and said that the vacuum created by his passing cannot be filled.
In a condolence message, Therie said that late Yhoshü being one of the first mining engineers amongst the Nagas was instrumental in shaping the future of the geology and mining department.
As a public leader, NPCC president said Yhoshü was a sociable yet sincerely responsible leader who always considered the interests of the people as the utmost priority.
Therie said his demise was irreparable loss not only to the family members but also the people of Nagaland, who have lost a truly tall leader and.
NPCC president on behalf of party rank and file conveyed deepest condolences to bereaved family members and prayed that the Grace of the Almighty God be with them and comfort and console them all through this painful hour of parting.
NDPP president: Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP) president Chingwang Konyak on behalf of party rank and file has expressed shock and sadness at the demise of NLA speaker late Vikho-o Yhoshü and said that in his demise, the people of Nagaland, the constituents of 14 Southern Angami-I A/C and the NDPP have lost a dedicated leader, friend and a father figure.
In a condolence message, Konyak stated that late Yhoshu throughout his political career maintained steadfast commitment to the people of his constituency and treated everyone as equals without favor or prejudice.
NDPP president also said that late Yhoshu was religious and pious man, who never forgot his roots and always remained humble despite the high offices he held. In his passing, a void has been created which will not be easily filled, Konyak said and conveyed heartfelt condolences and prayers bereaved family members during this sad time of loss and mourning.
AYO: Angami youth organization (AYO) expressed sadness over the passing of NLA speaker Er. Vikho-o Yhoshu and conveyed its deepest condolences to the bereaved family at this difficult time.
In a condolence message, AYO president Neinguvotuo Krose and AYO general secretary Kekhrie Pfukha stated that they mourned with the family members and celebrates the extraordinary life of “this remarkable man who devoted his life for the upliftment and protecting of his people’s future.” AYO expressed hope and trust that God would grant solace to the bereaved family and the strength to face this extremely difficult time. AYO prayed that God in His merciful grace grant everlasting rest to the departed soul.
KFN: Expressing deep grief over the sudden demise of NLA speaker Er. Vikho-o Yhoshii, the Kripa Foundation Nagaland (KFN) has extended deepest condolences to the bereaved family members.
In a condolence, KFN said Kripa Foundation and late Er. Vikho-o Yhoshii have associated for the last three decades in recovery programme. “We will continue to remember him with respect and admiration of his leadership and contribution to our state, especially in the field of drug and alcoholism recovery program,” it stated.