EMN
PHÜSACHODU, APRIL 2
A memorial service commemorating the 50th death anniversary of Late Niesatsü Khamo (1922-1964) was held today at Phüsachodu village, marking the attendance of family members, friends, well wishers and several prominent personalities from the Chakhesang community.
Niesatsü Khamo was the first gazetted officer from Phüsachodu village and the second amongst the Chakhesang tribe after Late Goyiepra Kenye. He was also one of the founding members of the Chakhesang Students’ Conference, which is now known as ‘Chakhesang Students’ Union.’
As a capable leader, he also represented the Chakhesang community in various forums and platforms related to the Naga issue, further associating with the Naga People’s Convention (NPC) and participated at the 2nd NPC session held at Ungma village in May 1958, during which the Drafting Committee was appointed for the historic 16-Point Agreement with the Government of India for forming a separate state of Nagaland.He also sowed the seed for education in the area, and is known for taking the initiative of establishing a private school with the help of village elders from neighbouring villages including Thipuzu and Kikruma, which were managed by the village authorities. In his career as a government servant, he served as assistant Peshkar, Peshkar (an equivalent to Judicial Magistrate of today), Chairman of Bench Court, Assistant Commissioner-II (later designated as Circle Officer) and was also designated as the Liason Officer and assigned to work between the Naga National Workers and the Indian Army during the peak Naga revolutionary armed conflict.
In a tragic car accident, Niesatsü Khamo breathed his last on 2nd April, 1964 leaving behind his wife, Vesozolü Khamo, two daughters, one son and many grandchildren. He was buried at the premises of ‘Chakhesang Community Hall’ now Chakhesang Baptist Church, Kistubozou, Kohima.
The memorial service held in his honour today saw a host of people paying their tributes to Niesatsü Khamo, also remembering him for his selfless service rendered for the Nagas and the Chakhesang community in particular.
Viyekha Rengma, the first MLA from Rengma tribe and Sovehü Nienu (Brother-in-law of Late Khamo) shared their memories of him by speaking under the topic, “As I knew him” while Nietsütso Theyo (Ex-Minister) and Shetsüyi Ruho, Public Leader spoke on “Down Memory Lane”. Speeches were also delivered by Rev. Khrütsoyi Lürüo, Chaplain, Nagaland Legislators Fellowship, Chotisuh Sazo, Speaker, Nagaland Legislative Assembly, Küzholuzo Nienu, Minister, Roads & Bridges and Parliamentary Affairs and Deo Nukhu, Parliamentary Secretary for Higher Education and SCERT and Son-in-Law of Late Khamo.
All the speakers remembered and honoured him as an educationist, a humanitarian, a good listener, a family man, a capable leader, a man of peace, who was also very patient and with life principles, and an inspiration.
Earlier, Pastor Vevotso Thelüo said the invocation while the wife of Niesatsü Khamo, Vesozolü Khamo, who is also the first Chakhesang lady to have studied high school standard shared a word of love. A song titled, “Niesatsü Lizo” was presented by Rüdashuyi Thelüo & group, and his grandson, Vire Nukhu gave a brief profile of his late grandfather.
A moment of silence was also observed in memory of the departed, followed by a special number by his grandchildren. Highlights of the event included acknowledgement by Dipohi Püyo-o and benediction by Rev. Pusazo Chüzho. The programme was chaired by Velacüyi Khamo.
