Toshi_wungtung_ File Photo
Morung Express News
Dimapur | July 1
The citizens of Nagaland led by the State Governor RN Ravi today mourned the demise of Member of Nagaland Legislative Assembly and Advisor to SCERT, IPR and Village Guards, Toshi Wungtung and pay rich tributes to him.
Wungtung, 56, passed away in BLK Hospital, Delhi on July 3 while undergoing treatment for post COVID complications. The State Government will hold a State funeral on July 3 to pay last respect and homage to the departed leader.
Meanwhile, condolences poured in from various quarters remembering and paying tributes to his legacy.
Ao Senden: Late Wungtung was a man of vision and worked selflessly as an elected leader for the welfare of the people. On his demise, the people of Nagaland has lost a dynamic leader and we the Ao people felt that we have lost an affectionate ‘ANÜKAPANG’ (in-law) and thus have created a deep vacuum that could not be filled in, the apex Ao tribe organisation stated in a message. “We express our deep condolence to his lady wife and family members and pray that may his soul Rest in Peace,” it added.
DIPR: The Department of Information & Public Relations (DIPR) while condoling the demise of its Advisor, remembered him as a warm personality who was highly respected and regarded by all. He shared a good rapport with all, and was ever willing to extend his ideas, help and support for the progress of the Department,” it said. Commissioner & Secretary, IPR, V. Maria Yanthan, IAS and Director, IPR. Er. Z. Tokishe Sema recalled Late Wungtung as a visionary and a remarkable political leader, who served with utmost dedication and compassion, and dedicated his life for the welfare of the people, it added. His death is an irreplaceable loss to the society in general and to the Department in particular, and he will be remembered for all his contributions, DIPR said. “All Officers and staff of the Department share in feeling of bereavement with Late Wungtung’s family and loved ones and pray that the Almighty may grant solace for the pain and sorrow at this hour,” it added.
ENSA: The Eastern Naga Students' Association (ENSA) Myanmar said that late Wungtung was dedicated, respected and visionary leader to the people of Eastern Nagaland in particular & Nagas in general and a great loss. The ENSA further conveyed its condolences and prayers to the bereaved family members & relatives.
ENPUD: The Eastern Nagaland People's Union,Dimapur (ENPUD) mourned the untimely demise and expressed its heartfelt condolences to his wife Lipokla Toshi and family members. He was a well-educated, intelligent and capable leader who was well versed in any issues of Eastern Nagaland in particular and the Nagas in general, it said. Wungtung’s demise will leave behind a huge vacuum in the lives of the Eastern Nagaland people and great loss for the Nagas in general as there are few Nagas like him who are well versed in Naga political issues and activities, ENPUD added.
ENSF: The Eastern Naga Students' Federation (ENSF) said that it always remember late Wungtung as a man of wisdom who had larger goals, commitment and zeal to work for his people unwaveringly. A dignified and a man of principle, he was instrumental in bringing about key changes that made a difference in the lives of the Eastern Nagas, the Federation said. The vacuum created by his demise will be hard to fill; and the Eastern Nagas in particular and the Nagas in general have lost another great leader, it said, further extending its prayer and condolences to the bereaved family members.
ENNWU: The Eastern Naga National Workers Union (ENNWU) of the NSCN (IM) in a condolence note described late Wungtung as a man of great integrity and spokesperson representing the Eastern Naga People's voice in all front. “Indeed we have lost a great leader for the Nagas in general and Eastern Nagas in particular. The void created by his untimely demise will be hard to fill in the days to come, stated ENNWU, further conveying its condolences and prayer to the bereaved family members.
FNR: The Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR) remembered late Wungtung as the ‘jolliest of companions’ and said that passion for Naga reconciliation has “led us to travel the length and breadth of Naga area sharing with people about healing and a shared Naga future.” During the early days of FNR and the Naga Political Groups’ meetings, late Wungtung participated as an “observer” representing Eastern Naga People’s Organization (ENPO) and provided support to the Naga reconciliation process, FNR said. He loved the Naga people and often exhibited intrepid courage to speak and act and this quality drove him, the forum noted. “FNR prays for his eternal rest and may Toshi’s bereaved family members find: “the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, and guard your hearts and minds in Jesus Christ” (Phil 4: 7),” it added.
KTC: Expressing deep pain over the demise, the Khiamniungan Tribal Council (KTC) stated that the people of Eastern Nagaland in particular and the Nagas in general have lost a visionary leader and the vacuum created will be difficult to fill in. “At this moment of grief, the KTC convey our deepest condolences to the bereaved family and pray to our Almighty God for solace to the bereaved family members and pray for the departed soul to rest in eternal peace,” it added.
KU: The Konyak Union (KU), on behalf of all Konyak civil societies namely KU, KNSK and KSU, expressed sadness over loss of their “most esteemed and cherished leader and a true torch bearer of the Eastern Nagas.” The community as a whole is saddened with the hurtful news of our inspirational leader passing away, the KU said in a condolence note. His service, dedication and commitment rendered towards the entire Nagas particularly the eastern region will be difficult to be replaced but shall be forever cherished and remembered, it said. The Union, on behalf of the entire Konyak community, conveyed its heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family members and prayed to the Almighty to grant them solace and comfort.
NFHRCC: The fraternity of Nagaland Foothills Road Coordination Committee (NFHRCC) expressed its anguish on demise of a dynamic, upright and visionary leader. Wungtung’s demise is not only a great loss for the Yimchungrü tribe and Eastern Nagas but also for the entire Nagas as well, the Committee stated. It further expressed its heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and to all the Yimchungrü people in general.
NGBF: The Nagaland Gaonbura Federation (NBGF) termed late Wungtung as a “well-educated leader and a thorough gentleman” with tremendous potential, whose visions and services were essential for the Naga society. In his demise, we have lost a visionary leader whose vacuum created shall be difficult to fill, the NGBF said further sending condolences and prayers to late Wungtung’s wife and family.
NSCN/GPRN (K): The NSCN/GPRN (K) said that in Wungtung’s demise, the Naga as a whole, has lost a young, dynamic and visionary leader, who affected numerous lives. “We convey our sincere sympathies to the bereaved family and pray to the Almighty to grant eternal peace to the departed soul and solace to the bereaved family,” stated a condolence note from its MIP.
NSCN (R): The President of NSCN (R) Wangtin Naga while expressing pain at the sudden and unfortunate demise, remembered late Wungtung as a “prominent citizen, a pioneer, a frontrunner and a trailblazer in many fields”. "The Late leader was a very close and a bosom friend of mine with whom I share many unforgettable moments, and my heart profusely grieves and bleeds at his departure," he stated in a condolence note. “In his demise, I have lost a true companion and the Nagas in general and also Yimchungrü community in particular have lost a very experienced statesman and a dynamic senior leader…,” he added.
NSF: The Naga Students' Federation (NSF) described late Wungtung as a “visionary leader and a thinker par excellence during whose lifetime of service had brought about many social changes for the common cause of the Yimchunger community in particular and the Naga people at large.” His service and contribution as the Member of NSF’s Consultative/ Advisory Committee on Border Area Research and Drafting Committee on Legal Interpretation of Article 371 (A) in regard to Land and Resources and 16 Point Agreement had been immense and uplifting, it said. At his demise, the Naga people have lost a noble soul and one who shall continue to occupy a special place in our hearts, it added further offering its condolences to the bereaved family members, loved ones, friends and well-wishers at this difficult hour of grief.
PPC: The Phom Peoples' Council (PPC) in its tribute to late Wungtung described him as skilled orator and a visionary leader whose dedication and selfless service for the welfare of the people of the state in general and the Eastern Nagaland in particular will be dearly remembered. The PPC further conveyed its deepest condolences and prayer to the bereaved family members.
YSUD: The Yimchungrü Students' Union Dimapur said that late Wungtung contribution towards the upliftment of Naga community will be cherished and remembered. “At this hour of immense grief, the union convey our deepest condolence and sympathies to the bereaved family and pray that our Almighty God grants his family and relatives peace and comfort to bear this pain of loss,” it added.
YUD: The Yimchungrü Union Dimapur (YUD) said that it was “lost at words” to express its deep sorrow over the demise and paid tribute to late Wungtung as a “tall leader who has dedicated his whole life to bring changes in Eastern Nagaland in particular and to the Naga society as a whole.” In his demise, the people of Yimchungrü had lost one of the best young dynamic leaders who is committed for overall progress of society. Though the vacuum created by his untimely demise will be difficult to fill, the good deeds and the legacy left behind will be emulate and remembered by the generations, it said. The Union also conveyed its heartfelt condolence and prayers to the bereaved family members and relatives at this hour of grief.
YUK: The Yimchungrü Union Kohima (YUK) said that late Wungtung was a “highly treasured man of intellect, a visionary leader who would have led his community to greater heights.” His untimely demise has created a great vacuum and irreparable loss for the Yimchungrü community in particular and the Nagas in general but his selfless service and contributions to the society is immeasurable and will be cherished fondly, it said. The YUK also offered its condolences and prayers to the bereaved family.
YTC: The Yimchungrü Tribal Council (YTC) mourned the demise of a “seasoned social leader, a great statesman, a research scholar, a good orator, a historian, an activist for the Nagas' rights, a conservationist, anti-pollution activist, a Naga student’s leader, a true patriot who stood strong for the truth.” Such was this son of the soil whom we look-up to him to lead for the downtrodden society, YTC said in a condolence note, adding that his advice shall remain a guiding force for the generations to come. In his death, the Nagas and the Yimchungrü tribe in particular have lost a towering figure which shall be difficult to fill the void created, YTC noted, further conveying its heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family members.
NLA Speaker: Late Wungtung was an exceptionally dynamic and vibrant leader, who was equally active in the Assembly, government and in the larger public sphere, the NLA Speaker, Sharingain Longkumer stated in a condolence message. He further remembered late Wungtung’s deep insight and knowledge on important matters of public discourse, abiding concern for environment, a sense of service to the people, simplicity and honesty and, above all, his passionate commitment to the Naga causes. His death is a big loss to Nagaland, in particular for our Eastern brethren, and the void created will be very difficult to fill, he said. “On behalf of all the Members of the 13th Nagaland Legislative Assembly and on my own behalf, I convey my deepest condolences and sympathies to the members of the bereaved family,” he added.
TR Zeliang: Former Chief Minister and Leader of Opposition TR Zeliang described late Wungtung as a brilliant upcoming Naga leader who made his first political debut in 2018. He was part of a 6-Member Team comprising of Naga Hoho and ENPO delegated to meet Late SS Khaplang, Chairman of the NSCN (K) during my tenure as Chief Minister. The Joint Team undertook assignment to Myanmar from January 24 to February 2 2016 and the role played by Late Wungtung will be ever remembered, Zeliang said. His demise is a great loss and during this time of grief, I extend my deepest condolences to the bereaved family members, he added.
Y Patton: Nagaland Deputy Chief Minister, Y Patton took to twitter to offer his condolences and said that it was a “very sad day for us!” He was a compassionate leader whose farsightedness, kind words, and deeds affected numerous lives. My deepest condolences to the friends, family, and supporters of Advisor Wungtung, he added.
S Pangnyu: Minister for Health & Family Welfare, Nagaland, S Pangnyu Phom also remembered late Wungtung as “a good orator, historian and a great commander in all fronts. “…The State have lost a great soul & a dynamic leader, the gap he created will take time to be filled. Bhai! Rest In Eternal Peace…,” he tweeted.
Neiba Kronu: Nagaland’s Planning & Coordination, Land Revenue and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Neiba Kronu described late Wungtung as a “prominent leader who tirelessly served the public in various capacities” and was “sincere and active in whatever responsibilities assigned to him.” A former student leader, he was an environmental conservationist and activist and was also active worker on Naga political issue and preservation and promotion of Naga art and culture, the Minister stated. In his demise, we have lost a knowledgeable man, an orator and a dynamic politician, Kronu stated and conveyed his condolences to the bereaved family members.
Tongpang Ozukum: Minister for PWD (H&M), Tongpang Ozukum in his tribute remembered late Wungtung as a “true gentleman at heart, a well-read scholar, an amiable person.” He was not just my colleague but a trusted brother and a friend too, Ozukum said, further describing him as a skillful orator and scholar, whose quest for promoting Naga culture, customs and traditions and defending the indigenous rights was notable. The Minister further conveyed his heartfelt condolences to Late Wungtung's family and friends.
Kazheto Kinimi: MLA & Advisor CAWD & NSDMA Kazheto Kinimi remembered late Wungtung as a modest man of great intelligence, a true intellect with utmost integrity and great concern and vision for his people. The State has lost a very able and young leader who dedicated his life to serve the people and bring about a positive change, Kinimi said, further conveying his condolences and prayers to the bereaved family.
Noke Wangnao: Advisor Social Welfare, Home Guards & Civil Defence, Noke Wangnao described late Wungtung was a visionary and an outspoken dynamic politician who was always working actively for his people. His passing away is a great loss not only to his family and to his tribe but to the whole Naga community particularly to the people of Eastern Nagaland, he added.
MLA Yangseo: MLA and Chairman DPDB Kiphire T Yangseo Sangtam also termed late Wungtung was a visionary, outspoken Legislature with vast knowledge of social and political issues. His demise is a great loss not only for the Yimchungrü community but for the entire eastern Nagas and Nagas as a whole and the vacuum created will be irreplaceable, he said. I convey my sympathy and heartfelt condolences to his beloved wife Lipokla Wungtung and his near and dear ones and pray that the Almighty grant peace and solace, he added.
Wangyuh Konyak: Former Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha) W Wangyuh Konyak termed late Wungtung as one promising leader amongst upcoming politicians of ENPO area, who was an active social and student leader before joining politics. “On passing away ENPO in particular and Naga in general has lost a leader who had Knowledge of ENPO and Naga,” he added.
NDPP: The rank and file of the Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP) mourned the demise of one of its founding-member and conveyed their heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family members. In his demise the party has lost a strong pillar, especially from the Eastern Naga area, and the void created by his absence shall be most difficult to fill, stated NDPP in a condolence note from its President, Chingwang Konyak. He further described late Wungtung as a scholar with knowledgeable on numerous aspects of life with gift of the gab, who devoted his whole time and energy for the upliftmentof the Naga people.
Ex-PAN: The Ex-Parliamentarian’s Association of Nagaland said that despite being a first-time legislator, late Wungtung carried himself with a wealth of experience in academic and social activism, for which he was a well known leader much before he became an elected member. His untimely demise is an irreparable loss for the people of Nagaland and will leave a deep void which will be difficult to be filled, it said, further conveying its condolences and prayers to his wife Lipokla Wungtung and family members.
