Sharingain Longkumer is the new Nagaland Legislative Assembly Speaker

Our Correspondent
Kohima, Feb. 7 (EMN): Marking yet another milestone in his rapid political ascent, first-time legislator Sharingain Longkumer of the Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP) was elected the new Speaker of Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA) on Friday, the first day of the fifth assembly session of the 13th NLA.  

The fresh-faced legislator from 26 Aonglenden assembly constituency defeated the Naga People’s Front (NPF) aspirant, and former Speaker, Dr. Imtiwapang Aier by a margin of seven votes (32 against 25 out of the total of 57).

The name of Longkumer, a consensus candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDA), was proposed by minister Kashiho Sangtam and seconded by advisor KT Sukhalu.

After election through ballot voting system, pro-tem Speaker Neikiesalie Kire (who did not vote) declared the result in favour of Longkumer. Following which, he was escorted to his chair by Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio and leader of opposition TR Zeliang.

The seat of NLA Speaker has been lying vacant since the death of Vikho-o Yhoshü, who passed away on December 30 last year.

Longkumer, who is also the chairperson of the Joint Legislators’ Forum, holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Arts as well as in Law from the University of Delhi. He is also a member of Nagaland Bar Council.

He won the by-election to 26 Aonglenden assembly constituency in May last year as the youngest MLA. He was then, elected unopposed to the post of Deputy Speaker on August 6, 2019.

While congratulating Longkumer on his new role, Chief Minister Rio said that the former has displayed an exemplary understanding of duties and responsibilities. Despite his young age, he patiently and successfully presided over several important meetings as the speaker-in-charge, Rio added.

The chief minister was confident that the new Speaker of Nagaland Legislative Assembly would continue to perform his duties ‘with justice and impartiality and uphold the Constitution of India at all times’.

Leader of opposition TR Zeliang, in his congratulatory note, said that they were fortunate for having a ‘young and vibrant leader from a legal background’.

He hoped that the new Speaker of Nagaland Legislative assembly would do justice by being neutral and impartial in his dealings.

In his first address as the Speaker, Longkumer assured to commit and function as a “true umpire, respecting the glorious traditions attached to the dignified office of the Speaker.”

He said that the responsibility has come in the “most unfortunate” of circumstances with the demise of Yhoshü, and further paid tribute to the departed soul.

Longkumer also took the occasion to recall his illustrious father, who had served as a legislator from 1987 to 2010. “I grew up in your shadows,” he said while referring to the many of his father’s contemporaries who are still active in state politics.

Longkumer was also quick to remind the NLA members that the legislature stands out as a reminder of the primacy of the people in the political order. He said, “Democracy is a system based on dialogue and debate. It can thrive only if everyone involved demonstrates a good degree of tolerance and an unconditional commitment to submit oneself to the norms of the legislative discipline and decorum”.

Further, Longkumer urged the legislators to work together to ‘enhance respect and acceptability for democratic institutions among the people’.

He also thanked the ruling PDA partners for their support in electing him to the chair and acknowledged the opposition party for upholding the fundamental tenets of democracy by participating in the election of the Speaker.