A pastor and Zo leader passes away

(This is an obituary of Rev Khup Za Go written by Mr Kham Khan Suan for The Statesman)

Khup Za Go, a pastor of the Zo people, who live in Manipur and Mizoram with some groups in neighbouring Myanmar, died in a road accident in New Delhi last week. He was accorded an emotional farewell and buried at Churachandpur in Manipur. Born and brought up in Murlen, Champhai district (now in Mizoram) Rev Go completed his Masters in Political Science from Guwahati University in 1971. Since then he committed himself to a full time church ministry despite other opportunities. An incumbent pastor at Zomi Christian Fellowship, Delhi, the Rev Go had served the Chin Baptist Association (1971-1977) as executive secretary and in various other capacities. In between, he worked as assistant director and thereafter as director of the Christian Literature Centre of CBCNEI (Council of Baptist Churches in North East India) in Guwahati (1981-87). He was elected vice-president of CBCNEI in 1991-92. The Rev Go completed his theological studies from Serampore College (1980-81); Oxford and Union Theological College, Bangalore (1993-95). A Baptist church leader, he participated in various international Christian events in Indonesia, the USA, Frankfurt, Myanmar and Thailand. The Zo leader published more than 15 books; the latest being Leivui Panin (Out of the Dust) in the Tiddim Chin language — a collection of 86 published journal articles — released by his friend Dr HT Sangliana, MP and IPS (retd.) in February. An ecumenical preacher, he ardently championed the cause of Zo unity and solidarity. In his death, the Zo people have lost a tall church leader, visionary and prolific writer.