Pioneer Naga women leader Khrieleno laid to rest

DIMAPUR — Renowned Naga academician and social worker Khrieleno Terhüja was laid to rest at Kuda Village ‘B’ Khel in Dimapur, after the funeral service at Covenant hall of Christian Higher Secondary School (CHSS) on Wednesday.

She passed away at Christian Institute of Health Sciences and Research (CIHSR) on Tuesday night. She was 90 and is survived by three sons.

Speaking at the funeral service, peace activist Niketu Iralu, brother of the deceased, said that her sister and brother-in-law late Rev. Rüünguko Terhüja, who passed away in February 2022, fought to inspire people, adding that their needs, challenges and opportunities brought out the best in them.

Late Khrieleno’s youngest son also expressed gratitude to everyone who had helped his mother during her fight against cancer. He also shared fond memories of his mother, how she raised them and her teachings.

Eulogies were also delivered by Rev. Akheto Sema, general secretary of CBCNEI; Rev. Savito Nagi, president of Angami Baptist Church Council; Rev. Kari Longchar from NBCC; Nino Kire, president of Naga Women Hoho, Dimapur; Viketo Visa, NST Colony Council; Vilanuo Angelo Yhome, president of NMA; Nini Sekhose, president of ANPSA central; Rev. Yiepetso Wezah, Bible Society of India, Auxiliary Secretary, Dimapur, as well as representatives from NBCC and CHSS.

The funeral rites were performed by Rev. Vilodi Sakhrie, pastor of Town Baptist Church (TBC), Dimapur.

Meanwhile, the office of the Tenyimi Students’ Union Dimapur (TSUD), in a condolence message, stated that Terhüja’s ‘visionary works and contribution towards the uplift of the people will be deeply cherished and remembered’.

Stating that her death has left a vacuum that will be difficult to fill, the student body conveyed condolences to the bereaved family members and all their near and dear ones.

Some notable positions held by late Khrieleno

• The first woman in India to finish Bachelor of Divinity
• Principal of Christina Higher Secondary School (CHSS), Dimapur, from 1967-1996
•  Secretary of Town Baptist Church Dimapur (TBCD) from 1970-1988
• Secretary of Dimapur Naga Women Hoho (DNWH) from 1977-1991
• Working committee member of Naga Mothers’ Association (NMA) since 1974
• President of Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC) in 1985
• Vice president of Bible Society of India from 1992-1994
• Founder president of All Nagaland Private School Association (ANPSA) Dimapur unit from 1993-1996
• President of Council of Baptist Churches in North East India (CBCNEI) in 2001
• Secretary of NMA from 2003-2007