Dimapur, Nov. 27 (EMN): Leaders cutting across party line have mourned the demise of former member of Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA) Lunghinggwangbe Meru, popularly known as Longbe Meru, who passed away on November 27 at Dimapur.
Born on February 2, 1937, to Lungleuheing Meru of Benreu village under Peren district, Longbe was the first MLA from 7 Peren assembly constituency in 1964.
NLA Speaker Sharingain Longkumer, while mourning the loss, stated that Longbe worked tirelessly for the development when the state of Nagaland was in its nascent stage and added that his contribution would always be remembered. Longkumer also lamented that his demise was not only a loss to the Zeliang community but the Nagas in general.
He, on behalf of the members of the 13th Nagaland Legislative Assembly, conveyed condolence to the bereaved family and prayed that the Almighty would comfort and grant solace in their difficult time.
In another statement, opposition leader TR Zeliang has mourned the demise of Longbe and stated that his contribution to the welfare of the Zeliang community would ever be remembered.
Zeliang recalled that in 1976, when the erstwhile Naga Nationalist Organisation (NNO) merged with the Congress party, they both worked together in one party till 1982. He described Longbe as a gentleman who gave his best to the society with positivity adding he became a church leader and served as pastor and head deacon at Zeme Baptist Church, Dimapur, later in life.
Zeliang also lamented that the demise of Longbe was a loss to the Nagas and the Zeliang people in particular. He further prayed that God would grant them peace and solace to the bereaved family members.
