Correspondent
KOHIMA, OCTOBER 16
FORMER MLA Wezulhi C. Krome, who passed away early Tuesday in Kohima, was laid to rest at his native village Lasumi in Phek district on Wednesday. Earlier this morning, hundreds of people gathered at Jubilee Memorial Hall of Chakhesang Baptist Church, Kohima during the send-off service to pay their respects to the deceased public leader.Speaking at the service, NLA Speaker Chotisuh Sazo said late Wezulhi Krome was a father figure to everyone who knew him. He said late Krome had deep concern for the Chakhesangs in particular and Nagas in general, and contributed much to the society during his tenure as MLA till the time of his demise.
Sazo lamented that late Krome passed away just before the Nagaland Legislative Assembly could celebrate its 50th anniversary.
Also speaking on the occasion, Minister for Roads & Bridges Azo Nienu said late Wezulhi Krome was present at the consultative meeting of Chakhesang Public Organization just two days ago. He recalled that late Krome had then, as always, advocated unity among the Nagas. The minister described him as a “loyal, faithful and a true nationalist”, in whose demise, the people have lost a “true friend and a mentor”.
Former minister and chairman of Nagaland Peace Centre N. Theyo said he and late Krome had contested in the state general elections in 1964 from different constituencies under Phek district and subsequently served together as MLAs. While pointing out that late Krome was a staunch believer in the Naga movement and struggled towards this cause, Theyo said he (Krome) had more concern for Nagas to achieve unity rather than independence.
“He did not believe in violence and guns,” the former minister stated while also stating that though late Krome was not well educated, it was his wisdom and principles that made him a fine leader.
Fellowship of Naga Baptist Churches general secretary Rev. Dr. VK Nuh, in his brief address, described late Krome as a “man of integrity, patriotic and righteous”. His life is a testimony of a good and honest man, the reverend said adding that the late public leader had fought many battles during his lifetime including the Naga national politics, state politics and in his social as well as personal life. He said late Krome, though converted late, had strong Christian principles and had a strong belief in the word of God.
Others who spoke at the service included State Security Commission member Yesonu Veyie, TPO president, Chakhesang Hoho Kohima president, Kuzhami union Kohima president, ZAWU Kohima president and church and family members.
Following the send-off service, the mortal remains of late WC Krome were taken to ZAPO Ground, Zuketsa Pfutsero, where the main funeral service was held, and thereafter taken to Lasumi village for burial.
