SENAPATI: More than a thousand people gathered at Asufü Ground in Punanamei, the hometown of Manipur Deputy Chief Minister Losii Dikho, on Thursday for a thanksgiving programme held in his honour. The event saw the presence of church leaders, civil society organisations, village authorities and well-wishers from Mao, Poumai, Maram and neighbouring areas.
Moderated by Ashipri Zho, Senior Advocate and president of the Nagaland Bar Association, the programme opened with hymns and prayers, setting a solemn and celebratory tone.
Several organisations and community groups felicitated him with traditional shawls, gifts, fruits and food items. The ceremony reflected the pride of the people in seeing one of their own rise to the second-highest office in the state.
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In the welcome address, they expressed gratitude to God and thanked all attendees for joining despite short notice. They stated that Dikho’s appointment was not merely a personal milestone but a collective blessing. The speaker urged continued moral and public support, noting that assuming office marked the beginning of greater responsibility, not the end of the journey.
During the voluntary speeches, speakers described the occasion as “a dream come true.” One recalled working with Dikho in 2007 on the development of the Asufü ground, saying that his vision and leadership helped complete the project, which was later inaugurated by the then Chief Minister. He described the Deputy Chief Minister as a visionary leader committed to literacy, youth development and bringing recognition to the people through initiatives such as educational institutions and a football academy. He added that he “could not sleep” the night the appointment was confirmed, overwhelmed with gratitude to God.
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Another speaker termed the moment a historic political milestone for the people of Mao and called for continued moral, physical and spiritual support.
In his address, Losii Dikho welcomed leaders from Mao, Poumai, Maram and various organisations and stressed that the gathering was about gratitude rather than personal praise.
“Don’t praise me, give thanks to God,” he said. “For all who are not capable, it is God who helps.”
Expressing heartfelt thanks, he said, “From me and my family, I give my thanks to all of you. I have contested election three times and by the grace of God, the winning margin was high.”
He thanked the people of Mao, Poumai, Maram and the Karong constituency for their continued faith and support, while acknowledging his shortcomings. “There are lots of shortcomings from my side as well. Please forgive me and understand me,” he said.
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Touching on development, he informed the gathering that chopper services in the hill districts of Manipur would soon be introduced to improve connectivity and make travel more affordable.
On the issue of peace, he stated, “We will not fight any community. The Nagas will remain neutral,” adding that he hoped to contribute towards peace and reconciliation in the state. He urged the people not to cease praying for unity and harmony.
In his blessing message, Rev. A. Pfokrelo, executive secretary of the Mao Baptist Church Association, said that when a leader commits to serving society, the entire family shares that calling. He remarked that Losii Dikho represents not only his constituency or village but Senapati and Manipur as a whole, and shared reflections from Psalms 72 and Psalms 121.
A deeply emotional moment followed during the thanksgiving prayer. Church leaders and elders called Losii Dikho and his family to the front, where they knelt down together. Surrounded by pastors and servants of God, special prayers were offered for wisdom, protection and guidance in his new responsibility.
The entire gathering stood in unity, joining in prayer for the Deputy Chief Minister and his family, creating a solemn and powerful atmosphere.
The programme concluded with a closing prayer led by Rev. Fr. Jose Karippai, Parish Priest of St. Mary’s Church, Punanamei, marking a day of gratitude and renewed commitment among the people.