CM leads state in paying tribute to TM Lotha

Dr TM Lotha. (Morung File Photo)

Dimapur, March 26 MExN): Nagaland Chief Minister, Neiphiu Rio today led the state in paying tributes Dr TM Lotha, who passed away in Wokha Town after a brief illness on the middnight of March 25. He was 68. Expressing sadness over the demise, Rio said that late Lotha has served the people of Nagaland in various capacities as a student leader, medical doctor and later as a politician. “In his death we've lost a good leader. Deepest condolences to his family,” he tweeted. 

Y Patton: The Deputy Chief Minister of Nagaland and BLP Leader Y Patton described Lotha as a “seasoned and refined politician as well as a dedicated public leader” who was down to earth and was always easily accessible. He spent his entire life in rendering public welfare services not only as a politician but also as a prominent physician, he stated condolence message. As the Chairman of Political Affairs Committee from 2008-12, Lotha had committed his full time and energy towards finding an early solution to the protracted Indo-Naga Political issue by pushing forward some core issues as a facilitator, he noted.   “In his untimely demise, the Lothas in particular and the Nagas in general have lost a great and visionary leader creating a huge void which will be difficult to fill,” he added.  Patton along with the State BJP legislators and functionaries conveyed their heartfelt condolences to wife and family members of the deceased leader and  and invoked God's blessings to grant them comfort to bear the loss and prayed that the departed soul rest in eternal peace.

NLA Speaker: In his condolence note, NLA Speaker, Sharingain Longkumer described Lotha as “a dynamic and dedicated man who worked sincerely for the welfare and upliftment of the people and a great loss to the Nagas in general and the Lotha community in particular. “I, on my own behalf and on behalf of the Members of the Thirteenth Nagaland Legislative Assembly, convey our heartfelt condolences to Mrs. M. Mhalo Ezung, their children and the other family members,” the Speaker added. 

Temjen Imna Along: In his condolences, Minister, HTE, Tribal Affairs, & State President, Nagaland BJP Unit, Temjen Imna Along remembered late Lotha as a “a refined politician, a distinguished Home Minister,an undisputedleader,and a gentle soul.” Since joining in BJP in 2014, Late Lotha has been a great mentor and a guiding force for the State BJP, he said. The rank and file of Nagaland State BJP Karyakatas, joins me in mourning the death of our beloved  senior leader,” he said.  

TR Zeliang: With deep pain, I mourn the demise of Dr TM Lotha, the present Leader of opposition and former Chief Minister TR Zeliang stated in a message. I came to know him as we contested from the same party in 1987 and since then we became “close friends" despite difference in Political Party affiliation, Zeliang said. "I along with my family pray that the Almighty God grant peace and solace to the bereaved family members particularly his lady-wife and children," he added. 

Naga Hoho: Naga Hoho in its condolence described Lotha as a resolute person who “sincerely worked for bringing peace and Naga Political Settlement.” During his life, he served the Naga people in various capacities with utmost sincerity. His passing away is a great lost for the Naga people, it said. He was a founding member of Naga Hoho and Political Affairs Committee. The Naga Hoho conveyed its deepest condolences to the bereaved family members and pray that God Almighty grand peace and comfort

NDPP: Expressing shock over the demise, the Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP) termed late Lotha as an affable person who showed his leadership qualities “in the bold, prompt and considered decisions he took all throughout his political career.” “The rank and file of the NDPP joins me in conveying our heartfelt condolences to you and your grieving family members. We pray to the Almighty to grant solace and comfort to you and your near and dear ones during this hour of bereaving,” stated condolence message issued by its President Chingwang Konyak.

Ex-PAN:  In its condolence message, the Ex-Parliamentarian’s Association Of Nagaland (Ex-PAN) said that late Lotha “was a sincere, efficient, humble and realistic leader, who had served his entire life for the welfare of Public.” “At this moment of grief, it is our prayerful wishes that the Almighty God gives solace and comfort to the bereaved family members and may the Almighty rest his soul in eternal peace.” 

Phukayi:  Paying his tributes, the Advisor, Food & Civil Supplies, Legal Metrology & Consumer Protection, Taxes Phukayi described late Lotha as a seasoned politician and said that Nagas have lost a visionary leader. His untimely demise is a personal loss to me, he added. “I joined by my wife convey our heartfelt condolences to sons and daughter of late Dr TM Lotha and pray to Almighty Lord to grant them strength at this hour of grief."

K Therie: The Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC) President K Therie mourned the demise of an energetic social and active political worker and said late Lotha was fearless and stood for justice, equality and a man of his word in his lifetime of service to the people,” he said. “My wife and children join me in conveying our deepest condolences to his wife, children and bereaved family members and I also convey heartfelt condolences on behalf of all rank and file of the NPCC,” Therie added.