Nagaland legislator Toshi Wungtung passes away; condolences pour in

Our Correspondent
Kohima, July 1 (EMN): Nagaland legislator and Advisor, Toshi Wungtung passed away in New Delhi on Thursday. He was 56.

He was serving as an advisor to the Department of Information and Public Relations, Village Guards, and State Council of Educational Research and Training at the time of his demise.

Wungtung won the elections in 2018 from Shamator-Chessore Assembly Constituency on the Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party ticket.

He was one of the few scholar-turned politicians from the state. His educational qualification included MA, M Phil, de-registered senior research scholar, Ph.D. Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi.

He was also an environmental conservationist and activist, an active worker on Naga political issues and preservation – promotion of Naga art/ culture, customs, identity, and traditions, a keen sportsman and adventurer.

Tributes have poured in following the demise of the legislator.

Deputy Chief Minister Y Patton in his condolence message wrote: “A very sad day for us! My deepest condolences to the friends, family, and supporters of Advisor Shri Toshi Wungtung Ji. Deeply saddened by his passing. He was a compassionate leader whose farsightedness, kind words, and deeds affected numerous lives. May his soul rest in peace!”.

“Deeply saddened by the demise of Lt. Shri Toshi Wungtung, Hon’ble Advisor, GoN. A good orator, historian and a great commander in all fronts. The state has lost a great soul & a dynamic leader, the gap he created will take time to be filled. Bhai! Rest In Eternal Peace,” tweeted Health minister S Pangnyu Phom.

“We have lost a dynamic, courageous, and able leader. His passing away is a huge loss for Naga society,” wrote Minister of Higher Education and Tribal Affairs, Temjen Imna Along.

Advisor of Youth Resource and Sports, Zale Neikha lamented the loss of “a young and energetic statesman” and prayed for the bereaved family members.

Adviser of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services, also tweeted: “I’m shocked and deeply pained to learn my colleague Shri Toshi Wungtung, MLA and Advisor passed away in Delhi awhile ago. In his demise, we have lost a young dynamic, and forthright leader. My deepest condolences to bereaved family and well-wishers. May his soul rest in eternal peace.”

“So so sad and shocking on the demise of Toshi Wungtung, MLA and Advisor, Nagaland. He still had so much to contribute to Nagaland and the nation. We have lost a brilliant mind and a visionary leader. I will greatly miss my close friend and elder brother. Deepest condolences. RIP,” tweeted Advisor to Chief Minister, Abu Metha.