Awarded by the Assam Governor in 1945 and later several times by the Nagaland Government, Posochiba Ao served his community with dedication for over three decades
Posochiba Ao, a retired Dobashi and the eldest person in Chungtia village, passed away on October 31, 2025. He was 106.
Born on May 1, 1919, Posochiba became a Dobashi at the young age of 22 and served for 30 years before retiring in 1971. He had been the eldest person in Chungtia for the past seven years and two months.
He was married to the late Repketkala Kichu, and together they were blessed with eight children. From their family came 30 first-generation grandchildren, 34 second-generation grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.
In his lifetime, Posochiba was honored several times for his public service. In 1945, he received an appreciation certificate from the Governor of Assam for his devotion to duty during the Japanese invasion of Assam. In 1963, he was awarded the Governor’s Commendation Certificate for his sincere dedication and outstanding performance in public service.
He was also honored during Nagaland’s 50 Years of Statehood celebration in 2013 for outstanding public service, and again during the Mokokchung District Dobashi Quasquicentennial celebration in 2014. Most recently, on October 1, 2025, he was seen on stage receiving a certificate in recognition of his distinguished service to society on the occasion of the International Day of Older Persons.
Apart from his official duties, Posochiba played a significant role in community affairs. He was among those who helped mediate the Changki–Impang–Imlang dispute under the direction of the British SDO. During the height of the Naga National Movement, he was known for protecting his village during tense encounters with the Indian Army.
In 1974, during the famine in Nagaland, he and a few friends travelled to Kohima to meet the leadership and successfully brought back 200 quintals of rice along with other relief materials for their people.
Posochiba Ao’s life reflected humility, service, and wisdom — qualities that earned him respect not only in Chungtia but beyond.
