SENAPATI: Late Asoso Yonuo, popularly known as “Kosa”, of Tunggam Village— a pioneering educationist, historian, scholar, accredited journalist, and prominent Naga author—was laid to rest on Friday at TNK Village, Senapati, following a solemn Service of Remembrance held at TNK, Senapati. He passed away on December 17, 2025, at his residence in Sukhovi, Chümoukedima, Dimapur, at the age of 95.
Widely regarded as one of the earliest Naga and Northeastern settlers in Delhi, Late Asoso Yonuo had reached the national capital as early as 1960 to pursue higher studies. Over the decades, he became a guiding light to hundreds of Naga and Northeastern students and professionals arriving in Delhi, offering mentorship, shelter, direction, and moral support. Many who gathered to bid him farewell spoke emotionally of how he shaped their lives, careers, and values.
Chandel: United College Principal no more, St. Paul’s Parish condoles
Prominent dignitaries and admirers attended the Service of Remembrance, including B. Kezo, IPS (Retd.), former Director General of Police, Nagaland, and Ashuli Chalai, former Additional Secretary and Honorary Advisor, National Commission for Women, Ministry of Women and Child Development, Government of India. In their tributes, both acknowledged that their achievements were deeply influenced by Late Asoso Yonuo’s guidance, discipline, and moral grounding. They described their long association with him as a blessing and reverently referred to him as their “Guru”, whose fatherly mentorship shaped their lives in enduring ways.
PNU President R. B. Pani also paid tribute, stating that he too was a product of Late Asoso Yonuo’s guidance, having been mentored by him during the 1980s, along with hundreds who came before and after him. Civil society leaders, women’s organisations, youth and student bodies from across regions gathered to mourn the loss of a leader they revered and to celebrate a life dedicated to knowledge, humility, and service.
Many present described Late Asoso Yonuo as an “encyclopedia of Naga and Northeast history”, praising his depth of knowledge, humility, and simple way of life. Several mourners shared that although they had not met him personally, they had grown up hearing stories of “Kosa” from parents and elders, and came with reverence to pay their respects to the living legend they had long known through narration.
Personnel from the Border Security Force (BSF) and Assam Rifles also paid their respects, led by DIG (Med) Dr. Khole Key, reflecting the deep respect he commanded across institutions and generations.
Also Read | MLA Leishiyo Keishing Seeks Centre’s Aid for Development of Model Town, ICP-2 at KAKA
Late Asoso Yonuo is survived by his wife, Dr. J. C. Anal, DIG (Med), Assam Rifles; two sons—the elder a student activist and the younger an entrepreneur; two daughters, both medical doctors; and two grandchildren. His passing marks the end of an era, but his legacy as a scholar, mentor, author, and humble torchbearer of Naga and Northeast history will continue to guide and inspire generations to come.