Forum for Naga Reconciliation holds memorial service for Dr. Phyobemo Ngully

DIMAPUR — The Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR) held a memorial service on Saturday in honour of the late Dr. Phyobemo Ngully at the conference hall of Hotel Grand Vista in Dimapur.

Dr. Ngully, who passed away on July 3 this year, was known for his decades-long service to society through rehabilitation, education, and advocacy. He was also actively engaged with the FNR and was part of the Naga delegation that recently visited the Pitt Rivers Museum in the UK.

In his tribute, Convenor of FNR, Dr. Rev. Wati Aier, noted that the passing of Dr. Ngully was not merely a loss of a beloved individual, but also a departure of a voice, a vision, and a moral strength that guided many through turbulent waters.

“Dr. Ngully’s life was a grand story, a grand narrative of a wonderful story opened by God himself and it was a narrative of conviction, passion and accomplishment. He was a man of deep intellectual insights and unwavering moral prayer.

“His unwavering support for justice, whether advocating for the healing of communities from the trauma of violence and military operation or calling for reconciliation approach structured feelings was rooted in a profound wisdom of human dignity and divine grace,” Rev. Aier said.

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He also shared that Ngully did not speak merely from the heart, but spoke with the wisdom to heal the tired, the exile, and the oppressed.

Recalling his 30-year association with Ngully, the FNR convenor added, “He supported me when I fought. He encouraged me when I doubted and challenged me when I looked at it far. His friendship was a gift I will carry with me always”.

Highlighting the legacy of Dr. Ngully, former Asia Plateau director and Bhupen Hazarika Integration Award recipient, Niketu Iralu said that late Ngully always remained faithful to everyone connected to him and beyond.

“What stands out is his deep love for his people, his empathy for our aspirations, and his compassionate understanding of how the Naga struggle has shaped them,” Iralu said.

He also said that late Ngully conveyed his message quietly yet consistently, urging Naga people in these challenging times to move beyond old ways, adapt, and grow together in a rapidly changing world.

Former MLA Mmhonlümo Kikon, who also spoke on the occasion, recalled that during the drafting of the alternate oil exploration proposal to the state government, Dr. Ngully had emphasised the need to protect people's rights, ensure equitable benefit-sharing, and foster coexistence, all guided by the principle of self-determination.

“He was never loud or one to seek credit, but always gave his best, often without recognition. In public life, while some were the loudest, he belonged to the deeper kind, a man with a calm voice, yet ideas that carried the weight of vision. In many ways, he was like a philosopher, offering thought-provoking insights wherever he spoke,” Kikon said.

Dr. Ngully’s wife, who also spoke on the occasion, said that today she stands not only as his wife, but as someone who witnessed closely and vividly the quiet strength and radiant humanity of a man deeply concerned for his people, faith and family.

“My husband was a man who lived not just with his mind but with his whole heart. He believed that service to people was a sacred calling, placing the needs of others and the society much above his owns sometimes even the family. And yet, we have never once missed a day of significance or importance when it came to the family,” she shared.

At the memorial service, short speeches were also delivered by, Joyson Mazamo, Convenor of Naga People’s Movement for HUMAN RIGHTS (South); Banuo Haralu, Kohima Educational Society; Dr. Joyce Angami, Kripa Foundation Kohima. A tribute to late Ngully was also shared by Col (Rtd.) Isak Sumi of NSCN (K); Victor M Thuu of Zhopra Vero-led NNC/FGN, and NSCN (IM) Kilonser Kihoyi.