Attendees of the funeral service of late Veducholü Lala, the President of the Nagaland Women Federation, NNC at Middle Khomi Village on March 31. (Morung Photo)
Morung Express News
Kohima | March 31
Veducholü Lala, a pioneering Naga leader and the first Christian convert of Middle Khomi Village, passed away on March 30 after a prolonged illness.
Her funeral service was held on Monday at Rülezho, the village amphitheatre.
Born in 1934 to Thürümüso and Chothinülü, Lala embraced Christianity in 1953, becoming the first Christian in Middle Khomi. She was later baptised in 1955 by Pelesato Chase, Field Director of Chakhesang Christian Centre.
She was married to Taveyi Lala and had a son and a daughter. She is also survived by eight grandchildren—four grandsons and four granddaughters.
At the funeral, late Veducholü was remembered as a dedicated ‘national worker and committed freedom fighter’ who served in various leadership roles throughout her life. She joined the Naga Army as a nurse in 1956, marking the beginning of her service to the Naga cause.
She was elected as the President of the Nagaland Women Federation, Naga National Council (NNC), at the Transit Peace Camp in Kohima in 1986 and held the position until her passing.
Over the years, late Veducholü served the public and the Naga national service in various capacities. She was elected as President of Women Phek Sub-Region on April 5, 1960; President of Chakhesang Women at Lasumi on September 9, 1960; and President of Women Japfu State at Mekhufu on August 16, 1964. She also served as a Deaconess at Middle Khomi Baptist Church (MKBC) from 1976-77 and as a Women Pastor at MKBC from 1977-86 and again from 1990-1995.
Tributes were paid to late Veducholü at the funeral, remembering her as a fearless patriot and a pillar of faith who stood firm against external pressures, never wavering in the face of money or power.
Her unwavering commitment to the Naga nationalist movement spanned nearly six decades, during which she remained steadfast in her belief that the Nagas would achieve sovereignty, it was highlighted.
Others described her as a trailblazer who inspired generations through her faith, resilience, and service, terming her demise as the ‘end of an era,’ while acknowledging the lasting legacy of courage and devotion she leaves behind for the Naga cause.
