Rich tributes were paid to Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA) speaker Vikho-o Yhoshü during a State funeral held at his official residence here on Wednesday. Yhoshü had passed away at a Mumbai hospital after a brief illness on Monday.
Thousands of mourners from different walks of life turned up to pay their last respects to the departed soul and stand beside the bereaved family members.
Expressing shock at the demise of the speaker, NLA deputy speaker and speaker in-charge Sharingan Longkumer described Yhoshü as a fine gentleman, learned diplomat and great statesman. He mentioned that Yhoshü had conducted Joint Legislature Forum (JLF) successfully, adding he was sincere, meticulous and articulate in dispensation of his duties and served the State with utmost integrity and honour.
With the death of Yhoshü, he said Nagas have lost a charismatic political leader, adding that he had created a vacuum that would be difficult to fill.
Mourning the death of Yhoshü, chief minister Neiphiu Rio said he was both a committed government official and politician. He appreciated the service of Yhoshü and described him as a “most trusted friend”.
Recalling his last meeting with the speaker on December 2, Rio said Nagas were hoping against hope that the Naga political issue would be resolved in time. But he lamented that it did not happen, adding he would cherish the good deeds and fond memories shared with Yhoshü.
In his tribute, NPF Legislature Party leader TR Zeliang recalled his close association with Yhoshü, stating that his death before resolution of the Naga political issue was very unfortunate.
He described Yhoshü as sincere and humble, whose dedication towards the people was exemplary, adding the speaker was not only a colleague but a “treasured friend” who led an exemplary life.
State chief secretary Temjen Toy credited setting up of Nagaland State Mineral Development Corporation (NSMDC) Ltd and reviving of 50-tonne cement plant in 1992 to Yhoshü. He described the speaker as “humblest of souls, kindest of persons with largest of hearts who humbly admitted to smallest of mistakes” and that he would be greatly missed.
Yhoshü’s daughter Sesino Yhoshü Dimasha and Dr Akho Yhokha spoke at the funeral and acknowledged the State government and the people involved in helping bring the mortal remains of Yhoshü.
Rev Dr V Atsi Dolie delivered the funeral message and the body of late Vikho-o Yhoshü was later taken to Kimipfüphe local ground, Kigwema burial after the guard of honour.
Host of legislators, including deputy chief minister Y Patton, BJP State president and minister Temjen Imna Along, NDPP functionaries, bureaucrats and mourners from different walks of life attended the funeral service.