NLA Speaker mourns demise

Dimapur, Oct. 17 (EMN): Speaker of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly, Vikho-o Yhoshü has mourned the demise of Lutjakai Kuki, former Interim Board Member (IBM) who passed away on October 13 at Zion Hospital, Dimapur, following a brief illness. Lutjakai Kuki was born in 1931 and educated at Tesangki government aided ME School. He was the general secretary of Kuki Tribal Council in 1961. Lutjakai Kuki became a member of Interim Body and represented the Kukis from 1961-1963. He was the founder of Athibung town, which was established in 1958. He was one of the founding members of Zeliang-Kuki Public Organisation (ZKPO) that initially demanded Peren sub-division for a full-fledged district in the 1980s. He was also one of the founding members of Peren College in the 1980s. Lutjakai Kuki was elected as chairman of United Democratic Front (UDF) Athibung area from 1975-1980. He also became the first elected chairman of Athibung town committee in 1982. He took active part in the developmental activities in Athibung town to uplift the people in different capacities till his last breath. He was a renowned contractor under Peren sub-division since 1965 till the late 1990s. Vikho-o stated that his sincere and extensive contribution to the citizens of Nagaland was duly recognised and honoured by the DAN government under the chief ministership of Neiphiu Rio on the 50th year of Nagaland statehood celebration at Kisama on December 1, 2013. Vikho-o lamented that in his death the state has lost a pioneer and a tall leader whose immense contributions would always be cherished. He has conveyed condolence to the bereaved family members and prayed for the departed soul to rest in peace.