E.T. Ezung. (File Photo)
Dimapur, October 1 (MExN): Former Speaker of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly and former Minister E.T. Ezung died in Dimapur on October 1. He was a three-time member of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly and represented the 40 Bhandari Assembly Constituency. Condolences poured in from across the political spectrum following his demise, with leaders and organisations recalling his long association with public life, the Congress party and various social organisations.
Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio described Ezung as a "passionate and dedicated leader who served the society selflessly" and said his "long and distinguished service to the people of Nagaland and his contributions to public life will be remembered with respect."
Rio also recalled Ezung's role in the Joint Legislators' Forum (JLF), through which elected representatives across political affiliations engaged with efforts towards "a peaceful and honourable resolution of the Naga political issue." He described his demise as "a great loss to the Lotha community in particular and to the Naga people in general."
Deputy Chief Minister Yanthungo Patton said Ezung's passing marked "the end of a notable chapter in the political history of the state." He recalled Ezung as a prominent figure from Wokha who worked for the welfare of the Lotha community and Naga society. Nagaland Legislative Assembly Speaker Sharingain Longkumer said Ezung was first elected to the Assembly from 40 Bhandari and was subsequently elected to the 7th and 10th Nagaland Legislative Assemblies. He served as Deputy Speaker, Speaker and Minister holding several key portfolios. Longkumer said Ezung "devoted a significant part of his life to public service and the welfare of the people of Nagaland." He also recalled his association with student and youth organisations, community institutions and other public forums.
The Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC) described Ezung as a "dedicated member of the Congress family" who rendered valuable service to the party. It said his "commitment, contribution and association with the organisation will be remembered with respect and gratitude."
NPCC president and Lok Sabha MP S Supongmeren Jamir described Ezung as a "perfect gentleman and veteran politician of the State." He said Ezung served the Congress in different capacities and was "always in front with the party affairs in both worse and better situations." "At his demise we lost a great congress Leader and the State in general," Supongmeren said, sharing the pain of the loss with Ezung's family on behalf of the NPCC.
The Ex-Parliamentarians Association of Nagaland (Ex-PAN) expressed shock and deep pain at the demise of its senior member. It said Ezung was an active member who contributed towards the welfare of its members and the growth of the organisation.
Despite his age and health-related issues, Ezung continued to serve as the district representative and executive member from Wokha until his death, Ex-PAN said. "The Ex-PAN family has lost another stalwart and a dedicated member," it stated, adding that his passing was "a great loss to the people of Nagaland."
The Wokha District Congress Committee (WDCC) said his death was "a great lost to the political fraternity in Nagaland in general and Wokha District in particular."
