Former minister and Interim Body Member, Padma Shri Tokheho H. Sema passed away on Thursday. He was 84.
Late Tokheho was elected to represent the Sumi community to the Naga Peoples’ Convention in 1959. Later he was elected to the Legislative Assembly in 1969, 1974, 1989 and was also a cabinet minister. An eminent social worker, he was associated with various organizations and was also the founder of Zunheboto Arts College, executive member of Sema Baptist Churches Associations, founder president of 1st Sumi GB’s Association, secretary Naga GBs’ Federation etc.
TR Zeliang: Nagaland chief minster TR Zeliang has expressed grief on the sudden demise of one of the last few surviving Nagaland IBM members, former minister and Padmashree recipient Tokheho Sema. Zeliang in a condolence message to Mrs Kitoli Yeptho, said late Tokheho was an altruistic person, who dedicated his life for the welfare of the general public and the State in particular.
Chief minister, who had worked with late Tokheho during his entry into politics, recalled him (Tokheho) as a humble and straightforward person and never hesitated to speak out his mind.
“He called on me last year on August 15 along with five other Members of the Interim Body and expressed concerns about the insufficient pensions ex-legislators were getting, and I must say it was through his initiatives that the Nagaland Assembly had raised the salary of legislators and also the pensions of ex-legislators last year”, Zeliang said.
Chief minister also recollected the supreme sacrifices and difficulties put in by the IBM members on the formation of Nagaland statehood. The sacrifice and the far-sighted decisions of the founding members have been benefited by the succeeding Naga generations, which the present Naga generations must acknowledge, chief minister said.
Further, Zeliang conveyed condolences to the bereaved family members and prayed that Almighty grant solace, strength and comfort at the time of grief, and for the departed soul rest in eternal peace.
Dr. S.C. Jamir: Odhisa Governor Dr. S.C. Jamir condoled over the sudden demise of veteran Naga political leaders, former Nagaland IBM member and former minister Tokheho Sema.
Jamir said that the demise of late Tokheho was a great personal loss to him, as they had fought and worked together for the identity and dignity of Nagaland and Naga tribe. He praised the contribution of late Tokheho to restore peace in the trouble-torn Nagaland in the late fifties.
Jamir also lamented that when the state of Nagaland was desperately seeking to rewrite its destiny to form a dynamic and progressive Naga society, his death was an irreparable loss. The Governor also praised the leadership quality of late Tokheho, who never compromised with the Naga identity and aspiration. It was for this quality, he was conferred with the prestigious Padma Shri award for public life, Jamir said. Further, the Governor prayed for the departed soul to rest in peace.
Chotisuh Sazo: Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA) speaker Chotisuh Sazo has also expressed grief on the passing away of late Padmashree Tokheho Sema, former IBM member and former minister on January 12. Sazo said late Tokheho was a prominent social worker and in recognition of his contribution to the people both in the state and country, he was awarded Padmashree in April 2016.
His demise was great loss to Naga people in general and Sumi community in particular, Sazo said.
The speaker further on behalf of NLA conveyed condolences to the bereaved family members and prayed that almighty grant them strength to overcome the sorrow.
Rio: Lok Sabha MP, Neiphiu Rio has expressed deep pained over the demise of Tokheho, an Interim Body Member (IBM) and minister. Rio in his condolence message described him as a person who served with distinction in every responsibility that was entrusted to him in the service of the people.
Recalling his association with later Tokheho, Rio said he was a person who was always committed to serving the public in the best manner possible. His significant contributions and sacrifices for the cause of the people would always be remembered by all, said Rio.
Rio said late Tokheho immensely contributed towards building Nagaland State during the most difficult and crucial period.
This would always be recorded in the annals of our history for all future generations, he added.
Rio said his demise was a loss for the society and that a personality like late Tokheho would be difficult to replace. “We will miss his valuable wisdom and guidance especially during this critical period in our history,” he said.
Rio further extended deepest condolences to the bereaved family members and prayed to Almighty God to let the departed soul rest in peace.