Oct 21, 2005

Nagalim Pays Homage to Former Chief Minister John Bosco Jasokie


Braving a steady drizzle, thousands gathered at the Local Ground to pay their last respects to former Nagaland Chief Minister John Bosco Jasokie who died Wednesday morning at his DBlock residence
Braving a steady drizzle, thousands today gathered at the Local Ground here to pay their last respects to former Nagaland Chief Minister John Bosco Jasokie who died Wednesday morning at his D’Block residence here after years of fighting a losing battle against cancer.

The mortal remains of the late leader was laid to rest at his residential compound after being accorded full state honours at the Local Ground.

State Governor Shyamal Datta, Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio and Opposition Leader I Imkong were among many who paid homage to the departed leader.

Paying rich tributes to Jasokie, the Governor described him as an upright leader and one of the most distinguished citizens of Nagaland who set numerous examples for his successors.

Describing his death as an irreparable loss for Nagaland, he conveyed his sympathies to the family of the late leader while also praying for eternal peace of the departed soul.

Also, speaking at the funeral service, Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio paid rich tributes to Jasokie, describing him as one of the great sons of Nagaland and one of the most distinguished and prominent figures among the Nagas.

Recalling his illustrious life as a leader of the Nagas the Chief Minister said he had known him as a lovable person with jovial disposition and a good sense of humour which endeared him to both colleagues and his people in the opposite bench.

He was a true cosmopolitan in his outlook.

He was always accessible to all sections and communities, irrespective of their religion and background and was a peace-loving person.

He was also a rare politician without any enemy, the Chief Minister eulogized.

He also recalled him as a multi-faceted personality with varied interests and talents and who excelled in music and sports and a good singer and composer.

Describing late Jasokie as his mentor, the Chief Minister conveyed his indebtedness to him “for what I am today, because it was under his guidance and leadership that I grew up in public and as a politician”.

In his death, we have lost a father figure whom we revered, trusted and looked up to for guidance and advice, the Chief Minister said adding the sense of loss is indeed great and without him the burden on our shoulders become much heavier.

The people of the state have lost not only a popular public figure but a great statesman as well, he said.

On behalf of the Nagaland Government and on his own behalf, he conveyed heartfelt condolences to Mrs Jasokie and other members of the family and prayed for his soul to rest in eternal peace.

Opposition Leader I Imkong also paid rich tributes to the departed leader while Goa Governor SC Jamir’s condolence message was also read out at the funeral service.

Source: Nagalim.nl