Kohima: Vilanuo Angela Yhome passed away on July 31, 2026, at 8:00 a.m. She was 67. Born on June 5, 1959, in Kohima Village to Zetseilie and Zakietuou Yhome, she spent her life serving the community. She took the helm as President of the Naga Mothers Association on August 16, 2023.
Yhome was more than a figurehead. She was a lifelong peace activist and a pillar of the Naga Mothers Peace Committee. Her work reached across borders through the Global Naga Forum. She held various leadership roles, including General Secretary of the Tenyimia Women Union and Secretary of the Lhisema Council. She also served on the board of the Cradle Ridge Centre.
Her faith guided her public service. A devout Catholic, she held regional and national roles, including President of the Nagaland Catholic Women Association and board member for the Council of Catholic Women of India. She also served as Chief Election Commissioner for the Catholic Association of Nagaland from 2015 to 2016.
Tributes flowed in following the news. Deputy Chief Minister Y Patton stated, "Deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Ms. Vilanuo Angela Yhome, President of the Naga Mothers Association, this morning." Rajya Sabha MP S Phangnon Konyak remembered her as a towering personality. Nagaland Governor Nand Kishore and the Forum for Naga Reconciliation also issued statements of grief.
The Forum for Naga Reconciliation noted, "We lost a dear friend, a gracious leader and a wonderful human being full of life and positive energy." MLA Hekani Jakhalu and MLA Moatoshi Longkumer also offered their condolences.
The community will gather for a Requiem Mass and funeral rites on August 1, 2026. The service starts at 10:00 a.m. at Christ the King Church in Kohima Village.
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