Staff Reporter
Hundreds turned up to pay tributes to former minister and former president of Western Sumi Hoho (WSH) Dr Kakheto Zhimomi at the funeral service held at Chekiye village ground here on Sunday.
Speaking on the occasion, WSH president Shikaho Zhimo described Zhimomi as a “selfless, dedicated and fearless leader” who worked tirelessly for the welfare of the hoho in particular and the society in general. He said the teaching and guidance of the later leader would always be cherished and remembered.
Excise, Sericulture and Minority Affairs adviser Zaleo Rio, who too paid glowing tributes, said Zhimomi was personally known to him as a good friend and had found him to be an amiable and a broad-minded leader always standing for truth and justice.
He said Zhimomi was also instrumental in his success in politics since the beginning of his political career, for which he remained indebted to him and his family members.
Rio said the death was not only a loss to the family, village or the Sumi community, but also to the people of the constituency, adding that the void created would be difficult to fill.
Expressing grief and sorrow, Chakro Public Organisation (CPO) president Vichetoule Mere claimed that Zhimomi’s father late Zhuikhu Zhimomi was among the early settlers in Chakroma region and was part and parcel of the Chakroma group involved in every social and religious activities.
He mentioned that the initiative and leadership of Zhimomi had brought CPO and WSH nearer and that since then both the organisations had been maintaining cordial relationship with no misunderstanding till date.
CNTC vice-president Khandao Ngullie too expressed shock and sorrow at the demise of Zhimomi, whom he described as a true leader, adding that his contribution towards the society would be always remembered.
Edward Zhimomi, brother of the deceased, brother-in-law and School Education adviser KT Sukhalu, son Dr Angvito Zhimomi and wife Kanili Sukhalu spoke on behalf of the family.
Others who spoke on the occasion included former Nagaland Assembly speaker Z Lohe, Chekiye GB Ghami Itepu Zhimo, Chekiye church, Sakipheto Area Public Organisation president Tokihe Chishi, Zhimomi Hoho Ahovi Zhimo, Zhuikhu village GB SG Holo, Pentecostal Church members.
Eulogies from governor Prof Jagdish Mukhi, chief minister Neiphiu Rio, Tamil Nadu governor, PHED minister Jacob Zhimomi and others were also read out. Leaders from several tribal organisations, civil society groups, including UDA chairman and NPF leader TR Zeliang, Lok Sabha member Tokheho Yepthomi and many others joined the funeral service.
The service was chaired by Sumi Hoho vice-president Zhevihe.
After the funeral service, the body was taken to Zhimomi’s native village Zhuikhu where he was laid to rest.