In the evening of July 10, 2024, Nagaland and Eastern Nagaland mourned the loss of a towering figure, N. Zhetovi Sema, who passed away at 93 at CIHSR, Referral Hospital Dimapur.
His remarkable life journey serves as a testament to his unwavering dedication, leadership, and commitment to the welfare of his community.
Nagaland and Eastern Nagaland in particular lost a man whose history and life will always impact the coming generation. Sema’s remains will be buried at his native Nitoi village where thousands will pay their final tribute to the dynamic leader.
N.Zhetovi Sema was born on March 1, 1931 who later became one of the tallest leaders of Kiphire district.
Sema’s life on earth began with tragedy where his father Hokheyi passed away when Sema was 7 months old in his mother’s womb. Six days after giving birth to Sema, his mother too passed.
He was brought up by the wife of Nikiye. Later when Nikiye died his wife married Nitoi, the founder of Nitoi village.
Educational qualification
1947- Started school
1963- Matriculated from Govt. High School Mokokchung
1965- P.U from Fazl Ali College Mokokchung
1967- B.A from Fazl Ali College Mokokchung
From 1976 to 1982, N. Zhetovi Sema represented Sitimi Area Baptist Churches as an Executive Member of SBAK 1979 and also served as an Executive Chairman of SBAK
From 1984-1995, he served as an Executive Member of the Sümi Hoho and in 2008, Sema served as the Chairman of the Eastern Sümi Sub- Hoho
Political Career
1964-68: Worked as the member of the Tuensang District Regional Council
1969-75: Served as the MLA in the 2nd Nagaland Legislative Assembly
1975: Elected as the minister to the 3rd Nagaland Legislative Assembly
1977: Contested election from the ticket of the Indian National Congress
1982: Contested election as an independent candidate.
1987: Detached from contesting any more elections but kept himself actively involved in politics for the up- liftmen of his people.
1996-99 : Worked as the President Kiphire District Congress Committee
2000-07: Worked as the Executive Member of the Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee
2009: served as an Advisory Board Member of the Kiphire Town Council
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The Eastern Nagaland Sumi Students’ Union (ENSSU) in its condolence message expressed deep regret in the lost of the one of it’s pioneer leader. “His legacy will continue to inspire and motivate us. N.Zhetovi Sema dedicated his life to the welfare of Eastern Sumi and the broader Naga community. His tireless efforts and contributions will never be forgotten,” stated the Union.
The Sümi community of Kiphire district expressed gratitude for the tireless effort that he has rendered for the development and upliftment of the district.
“We cherish the memories of his good deeds and may his soul rest in eternal peace. Our heartfelt condolences go out to the bereaved family and loved ones. May his memory be a blessing to us,” mentioned the community.
ENSSU letter lays down Lt. ‘Akukau’ meaning ‘Chief/Chieftain’ in english N.Zhetovi Sema remarkable achievements that includes:
-Founder and first president of Eastern Sumi Hoho
- Former president of Tuensang District Sumi Hoho (TDSH) in the early 1990s
- Regional Council Member (RCM) representing Sumi Tribe of Tuensang district (1964-1968)
- Member of Nagaland Legislative Assembly (1969-1975)
- Elected as a Member of Nagaland Legislative Assembly in 1974 and in 1975 he served as a minister of Animal Husbandry.
- In 1984-1995 served as Sumi Hoho executive member.
- In 2008 served as chairman of Eastern Sumi Sub-Hoho.
K. Chumseli Anar who is a Former PS to Dy. Speaker Yangseo under 60AC NLA, Govt. of Nagaland in his personal remark said, “When I was a child just around 10-13 years old. My late grandfather Litsato Sangtam narrated me a story that Lt. N Zhetovi Sema, Former Minister was an extraordinary leader ever produce in the history of Kiphire district in particular and Nagaland and India in general.
When he was Minister for just 9 (Nine) days he made a history of construction People road Via Kiphire to Old Sitimi -Seyochung road. The road is still remain alive which can be witness by the younger generation. My late grandfather challenge to younger generation that for the memory of his legacy may the younger generation take up the old abandoned road which was constructed by late legend leader N. Zhetovi Sumi,” said Anar.
He further added that It will take many years to produce a leader like legend Late. Zhetovi former Minister in Nagaland.
Condolence messages poured in from ENPO, ENSSU, District Congress Committee Kiphire, BJP Kiphire, Board of director Nagaland cooperative bank.
Expressing deep sadness, the BJP Kiphire Unit said, “Lt N.H Zhetovi Yepthomi was pioneer, torchbearer and peace builder in the society” as the representative of the people at Tuensang Regional Council (1964-68) and Nagaland Legislative Assembly (1969 and 1974), and the Minister of Animal Husbandry (1975).
In a message, Tali C. Sangtam, President, BJP Kiphire Unit, stated that Lt. Sema’s “manifestation of immortal deeds & genuine commitment to people will always be remember by generation after generation.” His death is a great lost not only to village, district and community but for the entire Nagaland as a whole, BJP Kiphire Unit added, while conveying its condolences to the bereaved families.
The office of the United Sangtam Students’ Conference (USSC) has condoled the untimely demise of the generous and tall leader Lt. N.H Zhetovi Yepthomi.
“During his short stay, he was an efficient, dedicated, and peace-loving leader who served the people in various capacities on different platforms. His selfless contribution has left an indelible mark, for the people of Kiphire district in particular and Nagas at large. In this time of grief, may the bereaved family members find comfort in the lasting legacy and positive impact he has created. The emptiness created by his absence will be felt forever,” stated the USSC.
The conference shared its heartfelt sympathy to the family during this most challenging moment of sorrow and prayed that God almighty would heal and fill up the void with his ever-loving care and continue to give strength and solace to all the loved and dear ones.
