Correspondent
KOHIMA, AUG 1 (NPN): Thousands of mourners from across Nagaland on Friday bid a final farewell to Naga Mothers’ Association (NMA) president Late Vilanuo Angela Yhome, whose funeral service was held at Christ the King Church, Kohima Village. She passed away on July 31 at the age of 67.
Family members, church leaders, civil society organisations, legislators, government officials and well-wishers attended the service to pay their last respects to the veteran peace advocate and social leader.
In his obituary message, Chief Minister Dr. Neiphiu Rio described Late Vilanuo Angela Yhome as an eminent educationist, social leader and tireless advocate of peace and women’s empowerment.
He highlighted her distinguished public service, noting that she served as president of the Naga Mothers’ Association until her demise, president and later advisor of the Nagaland Catholic Women Association, board member of the Council of Catholic Women of India, member of the Bible Review Committee, board member of the Cradle Ridge Centre, long-serving member of the Naga Mothers’ Peace Committee, general secretary of the Tenyimi Women Union and an active member of the Global Naga Forum, where she worked for the welfare, unity and peace of the Naga people across borders.
Rio also noted that she was the first woman to serve as joint secretary of the Lhisemia Council, Kohima Village, and later as its secretary, describing her as a distinguished daughter of Nagaland whose legacy of integrity, compassion, education, peace-building and community leadership would continue to inspire future generations.
Condolence messages were also received from deputy chief minister Y. Patton, Nagaland Legislative Assembly Speaker Sharingain Longkumer, Manipur deputy chief minister Losii Dikho, the NNC/FGN, the People’s Republic and several organisations and individuals from Nagaland and across the Northeast. They remembered her as a committed leader whose lifelong service made significant contributions to Naga society.
Speaking on behalf of the family, Kelhouneizo Andrew Yhome described his aunt as a strong and independent woman who cared for her family with unwavering love and dedication. He said that although she had no children of her own, she had nurtured and cared for more than a thousand children throughout her lifetime. He also expressed gratitude to all those who stood by the family during their bereavement.
The Requiem Mass was compered by Dr. Khriekuolie Peter. Bishop of Kohima, Most Rev. Dr. James Thoppil, was the main celebrant. The first reading was proclaimed by Ruovituo Robert, Senior Catechist of Christ the King Church, while the Gospel was read by Rev. Dr. Visosieo Solomon Vizo. The liturgy also included the offertory and Holy Communion.
The funeral concluded with thousands of mourners, including representatives of churches, civil society organisations, NGOs, legislators and well-wishers, paying their final respects to one of Nagaland’s most respected women leaders before her burial at her residence.