Naga Mothers’ Association (NMA) president Vilanuo Angela Yhome died on Friday morning at the age of 67.
Yhome, who assumed office as president of the NMA in August 2023, was a prominent figure in Naga civil society and was known for her contributions to women’s empowerment, peacebuilding, education and community welfare.
Before taking over the NMA leadership, she served in several organisations, including the Naga Mothers Peace Committee, Tenyimia Women Union, Global Naga Forum, Nagaland Catholic Women Association and the Council of Catholic Women of India.
Yhome also became the first woman to serve as Joint Secretary of the Lhisema Council, Kohima Village, and later served as its Secretary.
Her death has been widely mourned across Naga civil society, with organisations and community leaders paying tribute to her contributions to peace, women’s leadership and social welfare.
The Naga Students’ Federation (NSF), in a condolence message, described Yhome as an “extraordinary woman” whose life was devoted to the service of the Naga people.
The Federation said Yhome was “not merely the President of the Naga Mothers’ Association but a motherly figure to all Nagas”, and acknowledged her work towards the welfare of women, children, youth and the wider Naga community.
The NSF also recalled her contribution to peace, justice, reconciliation and the dignity of the Naga people, saying her “unwavering dedication” had left an enduring legacy.
Yhome’s funeral will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday at Christ the King Church, Kohima Village.
Nagaland Governor Nand Kishore Yadav and several Naga organisations have expressed grief over the death of Naga Mothers’ Association (NMA) president Vilanuo Angela Yhome, who passed away on the morning of July 31.
In his condolence message, Governor Yadav said Yhome would be remembered for her “unwavering commitment, dedicated service, and invaluable contributions” to community welfare. He acknowledged her leadership, compassion and tireless efforts and conveyed condolences to her family, the NMA and all those whose lives she touched.
The Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR) described Yhome as an “unwavering and resilient voice for the Naga people” who dedicated her life to peace, justice, reconciliation and human rights. It mourned the loss of “a dear friend, a gracious leader and a wonderful human being”.
The Naga People’s Front (NPF) remembered her as a “pillar of strength, compassion, and wisdom” who worked for the dignity of Naga women, peace and the welfare of children and families. It said her commitment to justice and social causes would be remembered for generations.
The NSCN/GPRN (Niki) described Yhome as a “true daughter of the soil” and praised her efforts to promote Naga unity across political and leadership differences. It said her legacy of fostering unity would continue to inspire future generations.
The National Socialist Women’s Organisation of Nagalim (NSWON) described her as a symbol of integrity, compassion and devotion to the dignity and aspirations of the Naga people, saying her vision and service would continue to inspire future generations.
The organisations conveyed condolences to her family, friends and the NMA and prayed for strength and solace for the bereaved and eternal peace for the departed soul.