Speaker of Nagaland, Sharingain Longkumer made the obituary references in honour of the late members of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly on the first day of the 6th session of the 14th NLA on 3rd March 2025 at Nagaland Legislative Assembly hall, Kohima.
Late T.A Ngullie passed away on October 27, 2024 at the age of 90 at Chümoukedima. Ngullie made his political debut in the first Nagaland Legislative Assembly in 1964 under Tyui- Longchum Assembly Constituency under the NNO party. He consecutively won the elections till the 5th Assembly, he was re-elected in the 7th and 8th Assemblies on an NPC ticket. He served as Deputy Speaker in 1971, elected Deputy Leader of the opposition and later became the Leader of the Opposition. He held multiple terms as a cabinet Minister, holding key portfolios such as Finance, Electricity, Agriculture, Horticulture and Irrigation. Through his multifaceted contributions to society, politics and governance, he emerged as a beacon of excellence embodying the spirit of service with in wavering dedication and commitment to the people of Nagaland
Late K. Zungkum was born on 1st November 1932 and passed away on 6th December 2024 at the age of 92 in Dimapur. He involved in various students and social activities. He was first elected to the 2nd Nagaland Legislative Assembly in 1973 from Shamator-Chessore Constituency on NNO party, and re-elected to the 4th NLA in 1977. He was appointed Minister of State fire Relief & Rehabilitation, and later elevated to Cabinet status incharge of Power and Social Welfare. He was re- elected to the 5th and 6th NLA under NNDP party. He worked tirelessly for the progress and welfare of his community in particular and the people of the State in general.
Bendangangshi Ao, a two- time member of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly passed away on 27th December 2024 at Ungma village. Born on 7th May 1933 to late Imnashingang, he completed his Bachelor in Theology from ETC, Jorhat and Bachelor of Arts from Fazl Ali College Mokokchung. He contested the first Nagaland Legislative Assembly in 1974 on DPN party from Aonglenden Assembly Constituency. Later, he was re- elected in1969 on UFN party. He was also one of the founding members of the Naga People's Front. He has written a number of books, notable among which are Glimpses of Naga History, Religion of the Ai Nagas and Chilushi- A drama in Ao Naga.
Mavil Khieya a former member of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly was born on 15th October 1949 and passed away on 18th January 2025 at Kohima. Khieya did his early education from Government High School, Kohima and completed his Bachelor of Arts from St. Edmund's College, Shillong. He began his active political career by representing the Southern Angami-1 Assembly Constituency as a Congress (I) candidate in the 1989 General election and was elected as a member in the 7th Nagaland Legislative Assembly. He was appointed Minister for Forest, Ecology, Environment & Wildlife Preservation, Publicity & Tourism and Geology & Mining. He was re-elected to the 9th Nagaland Legislative Assembly as an Independent candidate in the general election held in 1998 during which he stood out as the sole Opposition member who refused to join the ruling government. His dedication in upholding the principles of democracy and his commitment to serve the people will always be cherished.
Late Kejong Chang passed away on 20th February 2025 at the age of 102 in Dimapur. Chang joined the Government service as a Dobashi (Interpreter) for the Tuensang Frontier Agency under the North East Frontier Agency (NEFA) in 1949. He was later appointed as an Honorary Captain of the newly constituted Village Guards Organization in 1957. He served in various capacities, including District Head Dobashi, Personal Assistant to DC and Advisor to Governor of Nagaland.
Lt. Kejong Chang was the first Christian convert of Hakchang village and trailblazer in settling inter-tribal conflicts. In recognition of his outstanding social service, he received several awards, including four Governor's Commendation Certificates, one medal, one pistol and 12 - bore cartridges.
He started his political career serving as the President of the District Congress Committee (I), Tuensang from 1993-2004. He represented the 54- Tuensang Sadar-II Assembly Constituency as an Indian National Congress (INC) candidate and was elected as a member of the 9th Nagaland Legislative Assembly in 1998. He was re-elected to the 10th NLA in a by- election in 2007. He emerged victorious in the 11th NLA but resigned and contested in the by-election held in 2009 on NPF ticket. On his re-election, he was appointed as the Advisor for VGs, DBs & GBs Affairs. Again, he was re-elected to the 12th NLA in 2013 and was appointed as the Parliamentary Secretary for Jails, Home Guards & Civil Defence, Village Guards, after which he was elevated as a Cabinet Minister from 2017 to 2018. He emerged victorious again in the 2018 general elections and became a member of the 13th Nagaland Legislative Assembly. His remarkable journey is a testament to the power of dedication, perseverance and service to humanity.
(Nongozo Rikha, Asst. Director, Avika, IA)