Nagaland’s grand old dame Pupirei Pfukha dies at 121

The oldest living resident of Nagaland, Pupirei Pfukha, died at the age of 121 on Wednesday at her home in Kigwema village of Kohima district.

The grand old dame, who witnessed World War II, was a popular figure in the area and tourists often came to her village to seek her blessings.

Pupirei’s family said her husband passed away in 1969, followed by her children. She is now survived by her 18 grandchildren, 56 great-grandchildren and 12 great-great-grandchildren.

Local media cited a family member as saying she had a good memory and apart from old age problems such as a weak eyesight and hearing she was quite healthy.

Her age was confirmed through a voter identity card issued in 1982 which showed her as 80 years old at the time.