New Delhi, 12 November 2003: Paying a glowing tribute to Rev. Dr. Douzapao Haokip, who expired on the 10th of November, 2003 at Combined Medical Institute (CMI), Dehra Dun due to massive heart attack, an emotionally-charged P. L. Thanga, IAS,Political Advisor, North Eastern Council (NEC) described him as "a man of faith and conviction". The scene was sober and marked by complete silence as Thanga fails to control his unconsolable heart and tears began to tickle from his eyes. "He is responsible for the restoration of peace and reconciliation in Manipur", said the God-fearing IAS officer.

Frankie P. Gangte remembered his school-mate as "a man who stood for truth and died for truth". "A man of concern who stood firm in his believe and faith" was how Rev. C.B. Samuel, Minister At-large, Emmanuel Hospital Association whished to remembered the departed Christian leader from Manipur.

As the big but unexpected news spread far and wide, a large number of well-known individuals and Christian organisations have expressed their shock and grief. Prominent christian leaders such as Dr. I. Benwatti, Rev. Liwell, Principal, UBS/Pune, Rev. Richard Howell, General Secretary, Evangelical Fellowship of India ( EFI), Rev. Chungthang Thiek, General Secretary, Evangelical Free Church of India (EFCI), among others expressed their deep condolences and heartfelt grief.

A large number of Manipur-based Christian organisations and churches in Delhi such as Kuki Worship Service (KWS), Evangelical Baptist Convention Church (EBCC), Hmar Christian Fellowship (DHCF), Gangte Christian Fellowship (GCF), Evangelical Organization Church (EOC), Zomi Christian Fellowship (DZCF), etc have expressed grief and sorrow. Social Organistions such as Delhi Hmar Welfare Association, Delhi Kuki Lompi and Kuki Students' Organization also expressed their heartfelt condolences.

Rev. Dr. Douzapao was born in the year 1946 at Phalbung Village in Tengnoupal Sub-division of Manipur. He passed Class X (ten) in 1964 and PUC Arts in 1965. He completed his Graduation and Post-graduation from Guwahati University in 1968 and 1977 respectively. In 1969, he dedicated himself for the Lord's service and went to Union Biblical Seminary(UBS), Pune and earned his Bachelor of Divinity (B.D) degree in 1972. From 1972-74, he served as a full-time teacher Evangelist at the Rostad Memorial High School and a part-time Lecturer at Dinwiddie Memorial Bible School.

He was given pastor ordination in 1977 by his parental Church, the Kuki Christian Association (KCA) and was appointed as the First full-time Executive Secretary of KCA. In 1978, while touring the hill areas of KCA, God gave him a song "Vo Gospel Kholjin Hoilama Cheding Nahim?" (Oh, Gospel bearer where are you goin on?). In 1980, he was elected as General Secretary of the North East India General Mission (NEIGM), now know as Evangelical Congregation Church of India (ECCI), a position he held till his passing away.

From 1980-2001, he served as the founder Board Member of North East India Committee on Relief (NEICORD). He also served as Executive member of Evangelical Fellowship of India (EFI) and is a life member of EFI. He authored the following Bible commentaries such as Genesis, Leviticus, I & II Timosthy, I & II Thesolonica, Colosia, Phillipi, I & II Peter and Revelation in Thadou -Kuki.

Rev. Dr. Douzapao was also the president of All Manipur Christian Organisation (AMCO). He initiated a number of peace meetings and negotiations among waring groups in Manipur. He also served as Advisor to Kuki Christian Leaders Fellowship (K CLF). He served as the Secretary of the Inter-Church Peace Committee, during 1997-1999.

He left behind his beloved wife, Pi Rodingpui, 9 children and 6 grand children.