Our Correspondent
KOHIMA, APRIL 2
The mortal remains of former Lok Sabha MP from Nagaland, Rano Mese Shaiza, who passed away on Wednesday afternoon at their family home in Kohima, was laid to rest today at her private residence in Sechü Zubza, 15 km away from Kohima. Her mortal remains was taken to Sechü Zubza for burial after the funeral service was held at Ura Academy Hall, Kohima, wherein people from near and far attended to pay tributes to the departed leader.
Late Rano, the first and only woman MP from Nagaland till date, stood as a tall leader and had contributed immensely to the Naga society during her lifetime. The good deeds she rendered to the Nagas were reflected as various speakers who spoke on the day, acknowledged her selfless service and contributions to the Naga society and beyond.
Rev. Candid Sareo, who spoke on behalf of Tangkhul Hoho Nagaland, lauded Lt. Rano for contributing a lot to the Naga society and Naga politics.
“For the Tangkhuls, she is our mother, a true Ayi. We thank the Angamis for giving a great daughter to our community,” Rev. Sareo said adding that a relationship had been built between the Tangkhuls and the Angamis because of their marriage. Rano Shaiza was married to Lt. Lungshim Shaiza, who passed away some decades back.
Social activist Niketu Iralu, the younger brother of Lt Rano, also spoke about her sister whom he regarded as “a woman before her time.”
“As a young brother, I pay my tribute on behalf of the family…. Without any hesitation, let me say my sister Rano was a fighter to the end for what she believed to be right and important,” Iralu said.
On behalf of the family, Iralu also lauded her late husband Lungshim Shaiza for the joy he brought to Rano’s life during his lifetime. “They were a great partnership, devoted to each other and carried the battle with one mind and vision,” he added.
Mourning the demise of a very dear sister, Iralu also thanked God for the many blessing she brought to their family. He shared that she became more reflective and prayerful during her final years.
“Like so many other Nagas, she too had her share of personal tragedies which she left with grace, fortitude and faithful deepening of her relationship with God… Perhaps, Rano, the political animal but also serious searcher of God, was experimenting to walk a new way that will be more effective for our fragile emerging society,” Iralu remarked.
Naga Peoples’ Front president Dr. Shürhozelie Liezietsu while sharing the close proximity he shared with Lt Rano, lauded her for being a pioneering lady in many fronts. Apart from politics, he also acknowledged Rano for being a social worker. He particularly mentioned about her role as a pioneer in forming the Ura Academy.
Others who spoke at the funeral service were Lhouvitsü Kesiezie, speaker, Transit Camp, Naga National Council, Mayo Shaiza on behalf of the family and Rano’s son Aziebu Shaiza. The funeral rites were performed by Rev. Tsolie Chase, pastor, Khonoma Baptist Church.
The funeral programme was also attended by Lok Sabha MP Neiphiu Rio, NLA Speaker Chotisuh Sazo, Minister of Social Welfare Kiyaneilie Peseyie, among others.
Lt. Rano is the fifth among the 13 siblings of Lt. Dr Sievilie and Lt. Vituno Iralu. She was 86 and is survived by one son and two daughters and several grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Till her death, Rano remained as the first and only Naga woman MP from Nagaland. Besides her career in politics, she was also a social worker and an educationist. She was also the first president of Naga Women Federation of the NNC and was a member of the first Naga Goodwill Mission to Assam in 1953. She was also the founding member of the Naga Mothers Association.
