A man known for his humility and strong commitment for the Naga national cause, Kevilevor Phizo was born on Feb.20, 1939 in Rangoon, Burma. His family was brought back homeland from Burma for the Naga struggle for defence of its sovereignty in the year 1946. He did his elementary education from Mission School, Mission Compound, Kohima, matriculated in 1960 from St. Anthony School, Shillong.
Because of the Govt. of India’s failure to arrest A.Z. Phizo in spite of many attempts, most of his family members including Kevilevor and their close relatives were arrested in 1955 and placed at the Indian Jail in Kohima, while other family members fled to the jungle. After five months in jail, they were all transferred to Nowgaon jail in Assam. At the completion of 19 months in jail, they were released, however they were not safe in their own home at Khonoma, Nagaland, as such in 1958 the family moved to Shillong and stayed till 1971.
The large family of eleven members excluding A Z Phizo & Adinno survived on weaving and gardening. The mother Jwenle Phizo was said to have magical hands to feed the family. The birthdays of the children were often celebrated with just rice, potatoes and ‘Gakriti’ (fermented and dried mustard leaves). That was why they used to greet one another ‘Happy Birthday Gakriti’. This was said by a member of the family who also recalls how other countless Nagas all across the Naga homeland suffered much more pain, isolation and deprivation during those years. The family was greatly helped by their old friend Mrs. Kelo Lida Kharsati of Jaiaw Laithdom Shillong, when everyone out there was terribly afraid to give shelter to them because of their father’s role in the Naga national movement.
Kevilevor Phizo was the Secretary and one of the founders of Naga Student’s Organizing Committee, constituted on 9th.June 1965, now known as Naga Student’s Federation. He did his graduation in Political Science Hons. at St. Anthony’s College, Shillong. Later he became a Ceasefire Committee member in 1964-66.
Landed in London, UK on May 10, 1966. He did MBA, he was probably the first MBA graduate among the Nagas at that time and was Central Executive Council member of NNC till he breathed his last on the 12th April,2013 at the age of 74 from a sudden massive cardiac arrest, as he was preparing to leave for a meeting.
He was a priceless asset to the Nagas, more in particular to Naga patriarch A.Z Phizo, the then President of the NNC and Ms.Adinno Phizo, who succeeded her father and has continued to serve her people with equal dedication and sacrifices. His commitment for our Naga national cause is a great message to the world and encouragement to our present generation. His demise has left a great vacuum in our Naga society, but his steadfast character and contributions are his lasting legacy to his people.
The Khonoma Rüffüno Nagaland (KRN) thanks each and everyone for their support and prayers, in particular to our renowned leaders for their sincere efforts and support to make safe passage for the dead body to arrive in Nagaland for traditional mourning and pay our homage to the departed soul.
Despite of all the tragic divisions that have weakened the Naga people and our struggle, his dedication, conviction and sacrificial commitment for our people was indisputably worthy of highest respect and shall always be remembered with gratitude in the annals of Naga history. May Almighty God grant solace to the bereaved family!
Meto Khate
General Secretary
Khonoma Ruffüno Nagaland (KRN)
Kohima
Kuolachalie Seyie
President
Khonoma Ruffüno Nagaland (KRN),Kohima.
