Today marks the 32nd death anniversary of Naga Journalist Chalie Kevichüsa. The Editor and Publisher of Ura Mail from June, 1976 till his death, Chalie was assassinated on September 23, 1992, while dropping his daughter for her tuitions.
A pioneering journalist and writer, Chalie Kevichüsa’s work spans decades, covering one of the most turbulent periods in Nagaland’s history—both politically and socially. With Nagaland at the cusp of modern administration, his writings spoke truth to power, addressing the complexities of both governmental and underground forces.
As we reflect on the life of one of the leading Naga journalists, one can resonate to the ideals, beliefs and the writings which finds deep relevance even today, as it did 32 years ago.
Nagaland Tribune will be publishing a curated list of articles and editorials of Chalie Kevichüsa. A tribute to the writer that he was, we hope that readers will get a glimpse of his works, reflect on its depth, and hopefully keep his legacy alive.
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Brief life sketch of Chalie Kevichüsa
Born on May 13, 1943, to A. Kevichüsa and Germanthangi (Mannie) at Mission Compound, Kohima, Chalie was the seventh of eleven children. His name “Thechazelhu which means ‘one who upholds justice’, was later on abridged to Chalie which was the name by which he was popularly known for the rest of his life.
He completed his formal education with a Bachelor of Arts degree from St. Edmund’s College in Shillong in the year 1967. His political career began in 1968, at the age of 25, when he joined the UFN (United Front of Nagaland) as a voluntary party worker.
While still a party worker, he also served as Head Master of Central High School, Dimapur, from 1970 to 1973. In March 1973, he was elected Joint Secretary of the United Democratic Front (UDF) following change of its name from UFN to UDF.
With the proclamation of Emergency in 1975 Chalie along with other party leaders were incarcerated in the Nowgaon Special Jail from November 1976 to March 1977.
From February 1976 to 1987, he was elected and served in the capacity of General Secretary to the United Democratic Front (UDF), Naga National Democratic Party (NNDP), Nagaland People’s Council (NPC), and also of the Forum of North Eastern Regional Political Parties during the presidency of B.B. Lyngdoh. In August 1992, Chalie Kevichüsa founded the Democratic Labour Party (DLP) with a clear and new vision. He would say, “Things have gone far too wrong. Posterity will not forgive us if none of us raised our voice. They will one day demand of these times, ‘Was there not one person to say, “This is wrong?” Was there not one person to speak out for what is right?” I am doing this just to keep the record straight.”
Excerpted from Chalie, A Life Remembered
