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Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio leads tribute to a life lived in public service
DIMAPUR — One of the last political pioneers of Nagaland, TA Ngullie, passed away on Sunday at Chümoukedima. He was 90.
Elected eight times to the Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA) from 37-Tyui Assembly Constituency in Wokha district, Ngullie was a permanent feature in the first five tenures of the NLA. After missing out on the 6th House, he returned for three more terms: 7th, 8th and the 9th NLA.
The veteran hailed from Mungya village and held several key portfolios as Minister, including Finance, Agriculture, Power, Border Affairs, and Horticulture. He also served as the Deputy Speaker and Leader of Opposition.
It was informed that a short service has been scheduled for 10 am at his Chümoukedima on Monday, following which the mortal remains will be transported to Wokha and then to his native village.
Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio led a host of state dignitaries to mourn the passing of the leader and offer condolences to the bereaved family members. “I had the privilege to work alongside Mr. Ngullie, when I was first elected in 1989 to the Nagaland Legislative Assembly.
“I remember him to be a real gentleman, who loved and treated everyone equally. He was a visionary and an ardent politician, who was one of the members of the first Nagaland Legislative Assembly. He was an approachable leader, always willing to reach out to the people, especially those from the marginalised sections of the society. His contributions towards the growth of Nagaland and its people will always be remembered by everyone,” Rio said in a message.
The chief minister stated that it will be difficult to fill the vacuum created by Ngullie’s departure. “In this hour of bereavement, I, on behalf of the Government of Nagaland, convey deepest condolences to the bereaved family members. May Almighty God give you all comfort and courage to bear the irreparable loss. May the departed soul rest in eternal peace,” the message read.
The two deputy chief ministers, Y Patton and TR Zeliang, also expressed grief. “In his many decades of public service, Ngullie worked steadfastly for the welfare of the people and the state.
“He was instrumental in the formation of North East Council along with other great leaders of the state. In his demise, the state has lost a pioneer and visionary leader whose legacy will be cherished for generations to come,” he said. On behalf of the state BJP legislators, Patton conveyed condolences to the bereaved family.
TR Zeliang took to X to write: “Saddened to hear about the passing of former Minister TA Ngullie. A veteran & tall politician in Nagaland politics. Had the privilege to serve with him in NLA. A humble soul, with a purpose & desire to serve the people of the state. My deepest condolences to the bereaved family.”
NLA Speaker Sharingain Longkumer stated that Ngullie’s compassion for the welfare of the underprivileged and his lifelong contributions has left an indelible mark on the state. “In his death, the state has lost a veteran leader and the void created will be difficult to fill.
“On behalf of the 14th Nagaland Legislative Assembly and on my own behalf, I would like to convey deepest sympathy and heartfelt condolences,” he stated.
Advisor for Information & Public Relations, Soil & Water Conservation, Imkong L Imchen recalled Ngullie as a proven Naga leader, a humble public servant, an esteemed parliamentarian, and a towering figure in his time.
Imchen described the departed veteran as one of the tallest leaders of his era and extended condolences to the bereaved family.
In a statement, the Ex-Parliamentarians Association of Nagaland (Ex-PAN) mourned the loss of “a father figure and a senior advisor”. It offered deepest condolences to the wife and other members of the bereaved family.
The Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee stated that Ngullie’s rich legacy of dedicated public service and leadership will be deeply missed. “We extend our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family in this time of grief,” it stated.
Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) Nagaland mourned the passing of the senior leader and offered condolences to the bereaved family.
Also, the Nationalist Congress Party issued a statement paying tribute to “one of the tallest Naga political leaders”. The party extended condolences to the bereaved family members.