KOHIMA, JUL 31 (NPN): Naga Mothers’ Association (NMA) president Vilanuo Angela Yhome passed away on Friday morning at the age of 67. The funeral will be held at Christ the King Church, Kohima Village, on August 1 at 10 a.m.
Born on June 5, 1969, a respected leader and social worker, Yhome devoted her life to the service of the Church, the Naga community and the cause of peace.
She was a long-serving member of the Naga Mothers’ Peace Committee, working towards peace and reconciliation for the Naga people. She also served as a board member of the Cradle Ridge Centre.
Yhome was a former general secretary of Tenyimia Women Union and an active member of Global Naga Forum. In Church, she served as president and later advisor of the Nagaland Catholic Women Association. She was also a member of the Bible Review Committee and represented Nagaland on the Council of Catholic Women of India as a board member from 2015 to 2023.
She studied at Little Flower School, Kohima, graduated from Kohima College and obtained a B.Ed degree from NCERT.
After serving in the education department, she retired from government service. She became the first woman to serve as joint secretary of Lhisemia Council and later served as its secretary. She also rendered service to the Catholic Association of Nagaland.
Condolences
Various organizations including Nagaland governor condoled the demise of NMA president Vilanuo Angela Yhome.
Gov: Nagaland governor Nand Kishore Yadav expressed deep sorrow over Yhome’s demise, describing her as a leader whose unwavering commitment, dedicated service and invaluable contributions to the welfare of the community would be long remembered.
He said her leadership, compassion and tireless efforts had left a lasting impact on countless lives and that her absence would be deeply felt.
On behalf of the people of Nagaland and himself, the governor conveyed heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family, members of the Naga Mothers’ Association and all those whose lives she had touched. He prayed that the Almighty grant them strength and solace to bear the irreparable loss and eternal peace to the departed soul.
Speaker: Nagaland Legislative Assembly Speaker Sharingain Longkumer expressed profound sorrow over the passing of NMA president Vilanuo Angela Yhome, describing her as an exemplary leader whose unwavering commitment to peace, justice and the welfare of the Naga people earned her widespread admiration and respect.
Longkumer said Yhome, through her compassionate leadership and tireless service, inspired countless lives and strengthened the voice of Naga women in the pursuit of a just, harmonious and progressive society.
Stating that her passing was an irreparable loss not only to the NMA but to all who had the privilege of witnessing her remarkable dedication and selfless service, the Speaker conveyed his deepest condolences to the bereaved family, the Naga Mothers’ Association and all those mourning her loss. He prayed that the Almighty grant them strength to bear the irreparable loss and eternal peace to the departed soul.
Patton: Deputy chief minister Y. Patton said he was deeply saddened by the passing of Yhome, describing her as a remarkable leader who dedicated her life to the welfare of the people and made lasting contributions through her service and vision.
Patton said Yhome was not only a guiding force for the NMA but also a voice of compassion, courage and commitment. He said her tireless efforts in championing social causes and strengthening the role of women in society would remain an enduring legacy. Extending condolences on behalf of his family and himself, Patton prayed for eternal peace for the departed soul and strength and comfort for all who mourned her passing.
NSF: The Naga Students’ Federation (NSF), led by president Mteisuding, said it was profoundly grieved by the loss of an extraordinary woman whose life was devoted to the service of the people.
The federation described Yhome as more than the president of the NMA, calling her a motherly figure to all Nagas who embodied compassion, wisdom, courage and an unwavering commitment to society. It said she championed the causes of peace, justice, reconciliation and the dignity of every Naga, while her steadfast leadership and selfless service inspired generations.
NSF acknowledged her immense contribution towards strengthening the social fabric of the Naga people and said her dedication to the welfare of women, children, youth and society had created an enduring legacy. It added that although her physical presence was no longer among them, the ideals she cherished and the legacy she left behind would continue to inspire future generations.
HCCWA: Holy Cross Church Women Association (HCCWA), through president Caroline and general secretary Thungdeno, described her death as an irreparable loss to her family, the Church and Naga society.
The association recalled that Yhome, a former president of the Nagaland Catholic Women Association, was a woman of deep faith, humility and steadfast commitment who dedicated her life to the service of God, the empowerment of women and the cause of peace, justice and human dignity. It said her distinguished leadership and selfless service had built an enduring legacy that would continue to inspire generations.
KUDAWHI Union: KUDAWHI Union, Dimapur, led by president K. James Vizo, said Yhome’s exemplary leadership, compassion and unwavering commitment to the welfare of the Naga people, particularly women and society at large, had left an indelible mark. It said she earned the respect and admiration of people from all walks of life through her dedicated service and tireless efforts and expressed confidence that her legacy would continue to inspire future generations.
NCD: Naga Council Dimapur (NCD) president G.K. Rengma, expressed sorrow over what it described as the unexpected and untimely demise of the NMA president.
The council remembered Yhome as a woman of uprightness and integrity who possessed the courage and qualities of a leader. It said her passing was an immense loss to the Nagas as a whole and particularly to Naga women, while extending condolences to her bereaved family and praying for eternal peace for her soul.
NPF: Naga People’s Front (NPF), through its Press Bureau, also mourned Yhome’s demise, describing her as a pillar of strength, compassion and wisdom for Naga society.
The party said that as NMA president, she dedicated her life to upholding the dignity of Naga women, promoting peace and advocating the welfare of children and families across Nagaland. It added that her leadership, courage and unwavering commitment to justice and social causes would be remembered for generations.
NPF extended heartfelt condolences to her family, friends and the entire NMA fraternity, praying that the Almighty grant eternal peace to her departed soul and strength and comfort to all who mourn her loss. It said her legacy of service, love and selfless leadership would continue to inspire society.
FNR: The Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR) expressed profound grief over the passing of NMA president Vilanuo Angela Yhome
Extending heartfelt condolences and solidarity to the bereaved family and the NMA, FNR said Yhome had dedicated her life to the cause of peace, justice, reconciliation and human rights, describing her as an unwavering and resilient voice for the Naga people who inspired generations.
Stating that her untimely demise was a great loss, the forum said the Naga people had lost “a dear friend, a gracious leader and a wonderful human being” who was selfless, full of life and positive energy.
Niki-led NSCN/GPRN: NSCN/GPRN president “Gen.” Niki Sumi (Retd) expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Naga Mothers’ Association (NMA) president Vilanuo Angela Yhome, describing her as a selfless leader who devoted her life to the unity of the Naga people.
In a condolence message, Niki Sumi said Yhome exemplified the qualities of a mother, trailblazer and true daughter of the soil. He recalled that she worked tirelessly for Naga unity, including undertaking difficult journeys through the jungles of Naga areas in Burma (Myanmar) to spread the message of unity and love.
He said Yhome consistently advocated unity regardless of political ideology or leadership and described her as a rare individual whose legacy would continue to inspire future generations.
On behalf of the NSCN/GPRN, Niki Sumi paid tribute to her service and pledged to continue working for Naga unity, while praying for strength and comfort for her bereaved family.
NNC/FGN: Naga National Council/Federal Government of Nagaland (FGN) kedahge Zhopra Vero described Yhome’s death as an immeasurable loss, saying Nagas had lost a God-fearing woman whose life embodied faith, humility, courage and selfless service.
In his condolence message, Vero said that Yhome as president of NMA faithfully upheld the association’s slogan, “Shed No More Blood,” and dedicated herself to promoting peace, justice and reconciliation among the Naga people.
Vero further said leaders of her character and vision were rare and that her legacy would continue to guide future generations in the pursuit of peace and unity. He extended condolences to her family, the NMA and all who worked alongside her, praying that God grant them strength and comfort during their bereavement.
NSWON: National Socialist Women’s Organisation of Nagalim (NSWON) also mourned the passing of Yhome, describing her as a respected leader whose dedication, courage and selfless service had left an enduring mark on the Naga people.
In a condolence message, NSWON secretary said Yhome was a symbol of integrity, compassion and steadfast commitment to the rights, dignity and aspirations of the Nagas. It said her tireless leadership, despite her advancing age, inspired many and strengthened the collective spirit of the Naga nation.
The organisation said her vision, values and patriotic service would continue to inspire future generations and extended its heartfelt condolences to her family, relatives and all who mourn her passing, praying for God’s comfort and eternal peace for her soul.