Morung Express News
Kohima | July 31
Vilanuo Angela Yhome, a prominent Naga leader, educator and peacemaker who served as the President of the Naga Mothers Association (NMA), passed away on July 31, 2026.
Born on June 5, 1959, in Kohima Village to the late Zetseilie Yhome and the late Zakietuoü Yhome, she dedicated her life to community service, education, peace building, and social upliftment across Nagaland and beyond.
Yhome assumed office as President of the NMA on August 16, 2023.
A committed peace activist, Yhome was a member of the Naga Mothers Peace Committee for several decades, contributing significantly to peace-making efforts and reconciliation among the Naga people. As the President of NMA, she remained a steadfast advocate for social justice and community empowerment.
Her leadership extended across multiple civil society organizations which included serving as General Secretary of the Tenyimia Women Union, working as an active member of the Global Naga Forum, advocating for Naga issues across borders, and serving as the first female Joint Secretary and subsequently as Secretary of the Lhisema Council in Kohima Village. She also served as a long-standing Board Member of the Cradle Ridge Centre.
A devout member of the Catholic community, Yhome held key leadership roles within local, regional, and national religious institutions. She served as President and later Advisor of the Nagaland Catholic Women Association, a Board Member of the Council of Catholic Women of India (2015–2023), and a member of the Angami Catholic Union Bible Review Committee.
Her contributions to Catholic Association of Nagaland (CAN) included serving as Joint Secretary and General Secretary (2000–2003), as well as Chief Election Commissioner (2015–2016).
Requiem Mass and funeral rites for late Yhome will be held on August 1, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. at Christ the King Church, Kohima Village.
Condolences and tributes poured in following her demise.
Nagaland Governor Nand Kishore and the Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR) on Friday expressed profound grief over the demise of Vilanuo Angela Yhome.
In his message, the Governor remembered Yhome for her unwavering commitment, dedicated service, and invaluable contributions to community welfare, stating that her leadership, compassion, and tireless efforts have left a lasting impact on many lives.
Extending condolences to her family, NMA members, and all those touched by her work, the Governor prayed for strength and solace for the bereaved and eternal peace for the departed soul.
The FNR, in a separate statement, said it was profoundly saddened by her untimely passing, calling her a selfless leader and a wonderful human being. The forum noted that Yhome dedicated her life to peace, justice, reconciliation, and human rights, and described her as an unwavering voice for the Naga people and an inspiration across generations.
“We lost a dear friend, a gracious leader and a wonderful human being full of life and positive energy,” the FNR said, paying its respects during this time of collective grief.
