Chalie Kevichüsa

Thechazelhu Kevichüsa Meru (/ˈkɛvitʃsə/; 13 May 1943 – 23 September 1992), commonly known as Chalie Kevichüsa, was an Indian journalist from Nagaland who was also involved in politics. He was the executive editor and publisher of Ura Mail from June 1976 until his assassination in September 1992.[1][2]

In this Angami name, the surname is Meru.
Chalie Kevichüsa
Kevichüsa as a young man
Born
Thechazelhu Kevichüsa Meru

(1943-05-13)13 May 1943
Kohima, Naga Hills District, Assam Province, British India (Now in Nagaland, India)
Died23 September 1992(1992-09-23) (aged 49)
Dimapur, Nagaland, India
EducationSt. Edmund's College, Shillong (BA)
Occupation(s)Executive editor and Publisher, Ura Mail
Spouse
Seyievino Kevichüsa
​
(m. 1971)​
Parent
Relatives
FamilyKevichüsa family

Early life

Thechazelhu Chalie Kevichüsa was born on 13 May 1943 at Mission Compound, Kohima. His mother and father were Germanthangi and Kevichüsa Angami. His mother is Mizo originating from present-day Mizoram. His father is Angami Naga originating from Khonoma.[1]

In 1967, he completed his graduation with a Bachelor of Arts degree from St. Edmund's College, Shillong.[1]

Career

Kevichüsa first began his political career in 1968 when he joined the United Front of Nagaland (UFN) as a voluntary party worker. While still a party worker he also served as the Head Master of Central High School, Dimapur.[2]

Chalie Kevichüsa then served as the editor and publisher of Ura Mail from June 1976.[1]

With the proclamation of Emergency in 1975, Kevichüsa along with other party leaders were incarcerated in the Nowgaon Special Jail from November 1976 to March 1977.[2]

In August 1992, Kevichüsa founded the Democratic Labour Party.[2]

Assassination

Chalie Kevichüsa was assassinated on Wednesday, 23 September 1992. He was dropping his daughter for her tuition class, when armed men from the NSCN-IM opened fire on his vehicle after several days of tracking his movements at Fellowship Colony, Dimapur. Kevichüsa was killed and his daughter was wounded.[3][4]

Reactions

Large protest processions were held in Dimapur and Kohima against his killing, and a large number of people turned out at his funeral.[4]

Funeral

At the funeral service, Razhukhrielie Kevichüsa, the elder brother of Chalie Kevichüsa said:

“We as a family forgive those who have done this.”

“...the family, the clan and the tribe will not let violence and blood flow again”

“those who killed our brother are also our brothers and there is no scope for vengeance”.

[5][6]

NSCN-IM's response

In his interview with Deepak Dewan, the Political Editor of North East Sun Magazine on 28 November 1998 when asked about Chalie Kevichüsa, Thuingaleng Muivah said:

“Mr. Chalie joined politics and started propagating the Shillong Accord very actively. There were some persons who had been given the authority of settling the Indo–Naga issue among themselves, sidelining most other forces. We have to make them realise their mistakes. In the process many will die. Chalie's killing, whether by us or by anyone else will not be a surprise. Thousands of Nagas are dying and many more will die. There is not much reason why Kevichüsa and Chalie be singled out or Lungshim[lower-alpha 1] should be singled out”

— (Quote: North East Sun Magazine, from 28 November 1998 interview)

Personal life

Family

Kevichüsa married Seyievino on 20 January 1971. Together the couple had three daughters and two sons.

Notes
  1. Lungshim Shaiza was assassinated by the NSCN on 27 January 1990. He was the younger brother of Yangmaso Shaiza, the 4th Chief Minister of Manipur.[7]

References
  1. "A tribute to Chalie Kevichusa". Nagaland Post. 22 September 2018. Retrieved 16 October 2021.
  2. Haralu, Lhusi and Chandola, Mene.: Chalie, A Life Remembered, 1943–1992, 2012.
  3. "Lament for a Tree – Chalie Kevichusa". Eastern Mirror. 22 September 2017. Retrieved 16 October 2021.
  4. Hazarika, Sanjoy.: Strangers Of The Mist: Tales of War and Peace from India's Northeast, 2000. Penguin UK.
  5. "Veiled sadness in slain siblings' home - Family of leaders soldiers on despite losing two members to militants' bullets". The Telegraph (India). 8 January 2003. Retrieved 8 May 2022.
  6. "'Story of Forgiveness', 'Voice of Hope' shines light on Naga reconciliation". The Naga Republic. 13 June 2018. Retrieved 8 May 2022.
  7. U A Shimray (2007). Lungshim Shaiza was assassinated. Mittal Publications. p. 252. ISBN 978-8183241816.
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