The 34th death anniversary of AZ Phizo was observed by the Phizo Graveyard Committee at Phizo Hill here on Tuesday.
A eulogy to Phizo was read out by Phizo Graveyard Committee convener Apfhelie Kesiezie at the programme.
“Here lies a man:
Buried in a plot of land not belonging to himself but accepted by everyone as his property.
Unlike conventional leaders he has no land holdings, a mark of prestige for many.
He has no building worth its name, forget about mansions.
He has no bank balances, a currency he does not count.
Yet, he lives in the heart of his people for whom he sacrificed his dear life. He may not have any money but made others rich.
He did not have a house but enabled his people to live in houses.
He had no conveyance but visited almost all villages in Nagaland.
His enemies drove him to a distant land, but strangers were his staunch supporters.
He is gone but ever closer to everyone’s heart.
Such was a man called Zapuphizo, hated by his enemies, but without doubt respected by them.
He shall ever remain as a true leader by his people called Nagas.”
Earlier, the programme was chaired by NNC spokesperson Kolezo Chase, while Angami Baptist Church Council (ABCC) executive director Rev Dr Rachülie Vihienuo read the Bible and prayed for the event.
Special numbers were presented by Union Baptist Church (UBC), Kohima and Lidi Kro-u, Kohima village.