Kohima: Vilanuo Angela Yhome, the President of the Naga Mothers' Association, died at her Kohima residence on July 31. She was 67. Her passing triggered an outpouring of grief across Nagaland.
A Requiem Mass took place on August 1 at Christ the King Church in Kohima Village. Most Rev Dr James Thoppil, Bishop of Kohima, led the service alongside a group of priests. Ruovituo Robert handled the Bible reading, while Rev Dr Visosie-o Solomon Vizo conducted the gospel reading. Friends and family buried Yhome at her home on Billy Graham Road.
Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio remembered Yhome as an inspiring leader and a voice for social justice. Her career was long and varied. She worked as an educationist, administrator, and teacher before retiring. She held leadership roles in the Council of Catholic Women of India, the Nagaland Catholic Women Association, and the Tenyimi Women Union. She also served on the Naga Mothers' Peace Committee and as a board member for the Cradle Ridge Centre.
Yhome broke barriers throughout her life. She was the first woman to serve as Joint Secretary of the Lhisema Council in Kohima Village, later rising to Secretary. The Global Naga Forum highlighted her fierce advocacy for the 33 percent women's reservation in Urban Local Bodies. Colleagues noted her resolve in the face of threats and harassment. Rosemary Dzüvichü, her childhood friend and fellow NMA advisor, stood before mourners to reflect on her friend’s life. "Angela was more than a mother -a sister to many, a mother and father to all her nieces and nephews," Dzüvichü said. She also offered forgiveness to those who had once humiliated or defamed the late leader.
The Naga Hoho, the Naga People’s Organisation, and the Linguistic Minority Forum of Nagaland joined the mourning. Th Muivah, general secretary of the NSCN (IM), described her as an iconic figure dedicated to the welfare of the Naga people. Yhome never married, but her family considered her the pillar of their household. Kelhouneizo Andrew Yhome stated that she took on the responsibility of mother and father for the entire family. Her legacy remains tied to her fight for reconciliation, dignity, and peace.
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