Dimapur, October 31 (MExN): The Naga Peoples’ Movement for Human Rights (NPMHR) has paid rich tributes to General (Retd) Thinoselie M Keyho, president of Naga National Council, describing him as an “unmatched” leader whose sacrifices and missions abroad “salvaged and strengthened” the Naga national movement during its most difficult years.
NPMHR Secretary General Neingulo Krome, in a press release said the movement draws inspiration from people who signify the values of human rights, human dignity, freedom and just-peace in action, and that the Naga story is fortunate to have produced a significant number of such characters who nurtured and strengthened the Naga political movement.
“And even from amongst such leaders, there are few who stand out with more prominence. General Thinoselie M Keyho was one of such a kind amongst the few,” Krome said, adding that he was blessed with a unique personality that united friends and fellow travellers alike down the ranks and files of the organisation and for the cause he stood for.
The NPMHR said it had the “honour and privilege” to associate with Keyho on many occasions and issues concerning the same cause of the Naga people, and was “quite acquainted with his advancing age and the challenges of health related issues now and then in recent times.” It recalled that he had moved out from his home at Kohima and gone back to his native village at Chedema for “obvious reasons,” after which the organisation “regretfully could not keep up with satisfactory contacts,” though it was “happy to hear about his participation on important national events and occasions.”
Recalling his approach to the Naga issue, the NPMHR said Keyho would not be “swayed by mere ideological differences or factional politics with his old comrades” and always placed the larger interest of the Naga national issue above everything else. “He even took many extra steps to meet and reason or confront with old friends on very crucial issues and at very critical times even at the risk of being misunderstood by others,” Krome said.
Remembering him as “one of his own kind, unmatched, undeterred from his conviction,” who “stood his ground bearing all the discomforts of life but richly blessed with respect and honour that defines the dignity of an upright leader with all humility.”
Noting that the sacrifices he made, his work for the Naga Nation and the extensive missions he undertook to neighbouring countries at the most trying and distressful moments of Naga history “in many ways salvaged and strengthened the national movement,” it said these “can never be forgotten” and will remain in the “most precious pages” of Naga history as a living legacy “which will not remain as mere inspiration but for upcoming younger generation to live on with the same commitment and dedication as and when situation demands.”
The NPMHR said some of the things it will “always cherish” were those “special moments” with him, and conveyed its deepest condolences to his wife, children and all members of the family, and his near and dear ones. “With salutations, we bid you farewell Uncle Thinoselie M Keyho. And may you Rest in Eternal Peace,” it added.
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