SENAPATI, Dec 19: Asoso Yonuo, a pioneering educationist, eminent historian, accredited journalist and renowned Naga author, passed away on December 17 in Sukhovi, Chümoukedima, Dimapur. He was 95. Popularly known as Kosa, Yonuo hailed from Tunggam Village in Senapati district.
The Service of Remembrance was held today at his residence in TNK Village, Senapati, attended by civil society members, students and prominent dignitaries, who paid tribute to a life dedicated to learning, writing and public service.
Born on March 1, 1930, Asoso Yonuo was a trailblazer in academic pursuit among the Poumai Nagas. He became the first Poumai Naga and the first among the Shepoumaramth to travel to Delhi for higher studies in 1960. He completed his Matriculation and Higher Secondary education under Guwahati University, graduated in Delhi in 1963—emerging as the first Poumai graduate—and later earned his Master’s degree in Political Science from the University of Delhi in 1965.
In 1967, Yonuo joined the Central Information Service under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India. He also served as the Honorary Secretary of Adimjati Shiksha Ashram, Imphal, in 1990.
As a historian and accredited journalist, Asoso Yonuo made significant scholarly contributions to Naga history and political discourse. His notable publications include The Rising Nagas: A Historical and Political Study (1974), Nagas’ Struggle Against the British Rule Under Jadonang and Rani Gaidinliu, 1925–1947 (1982), and Rise and Rule of BJP in India (2003).
Yonuo later entered active politics and contested elections for MLA (1984 & 2000) and MP (1991 & 1996) on BJP tickets.
He is survived by his wife, Dr. J. C. Anal, two sons, two daughters and two grandchildren.
