Governor, CM and others condole with Apon’s family

Dimapur, Sep. 18 (EMN): The Governor PB Acharya has expressed grief at the demise of Veyikha Ghaponza, who passed away on Sep.18. Governor said Ghaponza was elected as the first member from the Rengma community to the Nagaland Legislative Assembly. In a condolence message the governor described Ghaponza as a prominent social worker and a great human being who had dedicated his life for the welfare of the people of Nagaland. Acharya expressed that his contributions, sacrifices and service to the people for the development of the state will be remembered by all. Further, the governor conveyed heartfelt condolences to family members of the deceased and pray that the departed soul rest in peace. Chief Minister: Chief Minister TR Zeliang has mourned the demise of Veyikha Apon, the first Rengma MLA elected in the year 1964 from Tseminyu Constituency. “Regarded as a fatherly figure among the Rengma Nagas, his legacy and exemplary life shall continue to be a guiding star for the Nagas in general,” a condolence message conveyed. During this difficult moment of pain and grief, Zeliang extended his condolences and pray that Almighty God grant peace and solace to the bereaved family members and eternal peace to the departed soul. Dr. Liezietsu: President of NPF and MLA, Dr. Shurhozelie Liezietsu is grieved at the demise of Viyekha Apon, ex-MLA, on Monday afternoon. “The first Member of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly from the Rengma Naga tribe, he played a crucial role in the formative years of Nagaland State. At a time when Naga movement for self-determination was at its height and emotions against the Union of India was at the worst, it took sheer grit and determination to even contemplate on contesting in the elections held under the Constitution of India. He was one of the few Naga leaders who took the decision that before a final resolution of the Naga political problem was arrived at with the Government of India, it would be better to work side by side to improve the living conditions of his people and he represented his tribe in the first Legislative Assembly of the state,” Dr. Liezietsu stated. The president also added that he was one of the first Naga regionalists who contested successfully on the party ticket of Democratic Party and all his life he remained steadfast behind the principles of regional politics. Dr. Liezietsu also expressed that he had a privileged to be associated with him throughout his political career and found him to be whole-heartedly dedicated to the cause of the Naga people. At this hour of grief and sorrow, Dr. Liezietsu on behalf of all the rank and file of the NPF conveyed condolences to the family members and pray to the Almighty to grant them solace and comfort and also the departed soul to rest in eternal peace. Levi: Parliamentary Secretary of PWD (Housing), Levi Rengma has expressed heartfelt sympathy over the demise of Viyekha Apon, ex-MLA. Levi said Apon was the first elected Member of Nagaland Legislative Assembly from 12 Tseminyu Assembly Constituency in the year 1964. He was a man with one of the rare untainted leadership quality and servant of society, with a commendable degree of political maturity and knowledge in the issues of the Rengmas and Nagas in general. In a condolence message, Levi expressed that his unparallel personality and charismatic leadership quality will continue to live on and guide us. “I and my family convey our heartfelt sympathy to the bereaved family as you endure this loss. Yet we must not grieve without hope, for we all wait for that day of great rejoicing when all of God’s Children will gather together and inherit the joys of heaven. May his soul rest in peace,” the message conveyed. EX-PAN: The Nagaland Ex-Parliamentarian Association (EX-PAN) is deeply saddened at the passing away of Viyekha Rengma. He was the first elected MLA from 12th Tseminyu AC of Rengma tribe in 1964 under the Nagaland Democratic Party (NDP). His life was a life of service, compassion and working tirelessly for his people, the condolence message stated. At this time of grief, the EX-PAN offered prayers to the bereaved family and the departed soul to rest in peace. DRSU: The Dimapur Rengma Students’ Union (DRSU) is saddened and pained by the demise of a ‘fatherly figure’ Viyekha Apon Rengma, the first Rengma MLA hailing from Tsonsa village under Tseminyu. In a condolence message, the union conveyed that the younger generation will remember him as a pioneer and a true regionalist and added that his contributions and commitment towards change will not go in vain. The DRSU conveyed heartfelt condolence to the bereaved family members and pray for solace and peace. KPU: The Kandi Public Union (KPU) has expressed heartfelt condolences over the demise of Veyikha Apon, the first elected Member of Nagaland Legislative Assembly (MLA) from Rengma Community in 1964. KPU described him as a man of principle and never compromised justice, a friend of both young and old whose simplicity and selfless service attracted everyone’s heart. In his death, the KPU expressed that the Kandi and Rengmas as whole have lost a great leader while the vacuum created will be difficult to fill. The KPU conveyed condolences to Mrs. Shumu Apon and children and also offered prayer that Almighty God grants them peace at this hour of grief and sorrow and eternal rest to departed leader.