Ex-minister RK Theko passes away, last rites today
Source: Chronicle News Service

Senapati, April 02 2023: Senapati district mourned the untimely death of minister and philanthropist RK Thekho, originally from Tungjoy village in Senapati district.

Born on June 1, 1936, RK Thekho passed away on April 1 at CMC, Imphal after prolonged illness.

The former minister had been a valued member of Adimjati Shiksha Ashram State Advisory Board, Imphal, which is affiliated to the prestigious Bharatiya Adimjati Seva Sangh, New Delhi.

Disciplined and an upholder of traditional values, RK Thekho served the nation both in and out of office.

A post graduate in Political Science from Allahabad University, he was works minister in 1974-79 and minister for horticulture & soil conservation.

Contesting elections as a Naga in Manipur is no mean feat, especially considering the stiff opposition from the outlawed National Socialist Council of Nagaland (IM) and its predecessors.

RK Thekho contested in the elections seven times and won twice.

He joined the Indian National Congress in 1968 and had also contested the 13th Lok Sabha elections in 1999 for the outer Manipur parliamentary constituency seat.

Starting his career as a school teacher, Thekho had firm belief that education and moral character development are crucial for achieving social and economic uplift, especially for the poor tribal communities.

As a campaigner for social justice and against corruption, the Gandhian philosophy captured Thekho's imagination and he followed that belief throughout his political career.

Apart from active involvement in student activities and for welfare and development of student communities at all levels, RK Thekho was also vice-chairman and president of Adimjati Shiksha Ashram Advisory Board, member of National Khadi & Village Industries Board under Ministry of Micro Small & Medium Enterprises, executive member of Manipur Pradesh Co-ordinating Committee 2004-2007, member of the Kangla Fort Board 2003-2007, chairman and member of Manipur Public Service Commission 1995-1999, co-chairman of Committee for Restoration of Normalcy during the Naga-Kuki ethnic flare-up which was instrumental in bringing about conflict resolution in the state (1993-1995), chairman of Royal Ambassadors Academy Manipur 1990-2009, member of MPCC Imphal (2003-3007), member of AICC Delhi (2008-2013), convenor and president of All-Political Parties Naga Forum Manipur (1994-1996), area director (Manipur) of Gideon's International, chaplain of North East States, SPC- State Association, chaplain of State Association, convenor and president of United Naga Council (1991-1994), founder general secretary of Manipur Hills Union, which was the only common political platform of tribal communities of Manipur (1972-75), member of Autonomous District Council of Manipur North District (1973), member of board of directors of Patkai Christian College Nagaland (1969-1972), headmaster of Kohima Baptist English School, Nagaland (1970-1972), associate member of Kohima Peace Camp (1969-1972), superintendent of Lewis Memorial Hostel Guwahati (1969-1970), vice-principal of Adimjati High School Manipur (1967-1969), superintendent of Adimjati Technical Institute Manipur (1967-1969), member of Properties Committee of Council Baptist Churches in North East India Guwahati (1967-1969), founder president of North District High School Tungjoy Manipur (1965-1967), member of Manipur Cultural Integration Council Imphal (1965-1967), headmaster of Tobufli Mission High School Manipur, athletic captain of Ewing Christian College Allahabad (1961-1963) and represented Allahabad in Inter-District Athletic Meet (UP) and thereafter Allahabad Varsity football team (1964-1965), advisor to Mtru Hriibu Veymai and founder general secretary of Tungjoy Youth & Students' Organisation.

The former minister left his wife Kollo Kaisa, 5 sons and 4 daughters.

The mortal remains of the great leader was accompanied by different CSO leaders from the district and beyond to his native village.

Tungjoy.

Condolence speeches were delivered by UNC, ANSAM, Naga Women's Union, NPO, SDSA, PNU, PNTM, PNM, managing board chairman of Mt Pisgah College Senapati, Mao AC MLA L Dikho, Tadubi MLA N Kayisii and former minister Benjamin Banee.

In a condolence message, All Tribal Students Union, Manipur (ATSUM) stated that late RK Thekho was an inspiring leader of the tribals in the state who played a vital role in the formation of the only tribal political party called Manipur Hills Union where he served as general secretary.

ATSUM said that Thekho's demise has left a great void in the tribal society as he was a leader who bridged two generations.

The apex tribal student body also shared the pain and sorrow of his beloved family.

The village chairman of Tungjoy village informed that funeral service of the departed leader will be performed at 11 am on April 3 (Monday) at his native village and urged all concerned to join them in paying last tributes to him.

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