Dimapur, 22 May (MTNews): Working President of the Naga People’s Front (NPF), Dr. Huskha Yepthomi, passed away at Zion Hospital and Research Centre, Dimapur, on 21 May.
In a condolence message, Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, while expressing pain over the demise, said Dr Huskha was a sincere and passionate leader who genuinely cared for the welfare of the people, especially those in the marginalized section. Rio mentioned that Dr Huskha had served in various organizations since his early days, demonstrating his dedication to serving people, and his contributions will be dearly remembered by all those who encountered him.
Chief Minister Rio further stated that his demise is a significant loss, especially for the Naga People’s Front party, and the Nagas and Sumi community in particular.
Deputy Chief Minister Y Patton described Huskha as a stalwart of regional politics who served the people well. He said, with his demise, the Nagas have lost a leader not only for his party but for the Nagas as a whole.
Leader of the NPF legislature party, Kuzholuzo Nienu, conveyed condolences on the demise of Huskha Yepthomi. Nienu said Yepthomi was considered as the pillar of the oldest regional political party (NPF) and that the service he rendered to the Naga society particularly to the Naga regional political party will always be exemplary of true leadership. “Throughout his life, he has led the party with all his experiences and dedication for the welfare of the Naga people and the party,” Nienu said.
NPF president Apong Pongener also condoled Yepthomi’s demise. Expressing anguish upon learning of the demise of his friend and working colleague, Pongener said Yepthomi had dedicated the last 50 years since 1974 to the Naga People’s Front. He was a man of courage, a very strong regionalist, and his voice mattered on issues related to the Party in particular and the Nagas in general, Pongener said.
The Party looked upon him as a guide, seasoned, and a matured leader who stood his ground when it came to Naga political issues, the NPF president added.
In his demise, Pongener said the Party has lost a grand old man who served the Party in a fatherly figure, and added that the Party would find it difficult to fill the vacuum his demise has created.