Kohima, September 18 (MExN): Viyekha Apon, the first Member of Nagaland Legislative Assembly from the Rengma Naga tribe, passed away on September 18. He was first elected MLA in the year 1964 from Tseminyu constituency. Various organizations and individual have expressed grief over the demise and offered heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family.
Governor: The Governor of Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh, PB Acharya in a condolence message described late Veyikha as a prominent social worker and a great human being who had dedicated his life for the welfare of the people of Nagaland. His contributions, sacrifices and service to the people for the development of the State will be remembered by all, the Governor added.
Chief Minister: Regarded as a fatherly figure among the Rengma Nagas, Viyekha’s legacy and exemplary life will continue to be a guiding star for the Nagas in general, Chief Minister of Nagaland, TR Zeliang stated in a message. He prayed to God to grant peace and solace to the bereaved family members.
Shürhozelie: Dr Shürhozelie Liezietsu said Viyekha played a crucial role in the formative years of Nagaland State.
“At a time when Naga movement for self-determination was at its height and emotions against the Union of India were at the worst, it took sheer grit and determination to even contemplate on contesting in the elections held under the Constitution of India. He was one of the few Naga leaders who took the decision that before a final resolution of the Naga political problem was arrived at with the Government of India, it would be better to work side by side to improve the living conditions of his people and he represented his tribe in the first Legislative Assembly of the State,” he noted in a message.
The deceased, Shürhozelie said, was one of the first Naga regionalists who contested successfully on the party ticket of Democratic Party and all his life he remained steadfast behind the principles of regional politics. “I have been privileged to be associated with him throughout my political career and found him to be whole-heartedly dedicated to the cause of the Naga people…,” he added.
RSZ: In a separate message, the Rengma Selo Zi (RSZ) said the former MLA who hailed from Tsonsa village of Kandi range remained a strong and tall regional Naga leader till his demise. “He was regarded as a fatherly figure among the Rengma Nagas…his demise has created a huge vacuum in our society and the Rengma younger generations has lost a guiding star,” it added. RSZ further acknowledged that the legacy and exemplary life of the late leader will continue to live among the generation as a gift.
KPU: The Kandi Public Union (KPU) meanwhile described the deceased as a man of principle who never compromised on justice, and a friend of both young and old. “His simplicity and selfless service attracted everyone’s heart. In his death the Kandi and Rengmas as whole have lost a great leader while the vacuum created will be difficult to fill,” the union stated in a message.
DRSU: Dimapur Rengma Students' Union (DRSU) also acknowledged that the younger generation will remember the departed leader for being a pioneer and a true regionalist. “Your contribution and full time commitment towards change will not go in vain,” it stated in a message.
NEPA: The Nagaland Ex-Parliamentarian Association (NEPA) expressed sadness over the demise and stated Viyekha’s life was a life of service, compassion and working tirelessly for his people.
