TR Zeliagn, orgs. mourn Vajpayee’s demise

Dimapur, Aug. 17 (EMN): More condolences poured in over the demise of former Prime Minister and Bharat Ratna awardee, Atal Bihari Vajpayee who passed away on Aug. 16 at AIIMS, New Delhi at the age of 93. TR Zeliang:  Former chief minister and leader of opposition, TR Zeliang has expressed grief and pain over the demise of the former prime minister. In a condolence message, the leader of opposition regarded Vajpayee as a brilliant statesman who dedicated his service to the nation. He remembered the former prime minister as a leader who understood the pain and suffering of the Naga people and said that his love and concern for the Naga people in particular will ever be remembered. "He was the first Indian Prime Minister who declared that 'Naga history is unique' and this very declaration became the foundation stone for the Indo-Naga Peace talks leading to the signing of the Framework Agreement on 3 August 2015," Zeliang said. "Consequently, this declaration created a new hope for both GOI and the Naga people that final agreement could be secured based on the unique history of the Nagas." Zeliang mentioned that it was Vajpayee who opened a new window for development of road connectivity in the northeast region by creating a new head of account under Special Accelerated Road Development Program for North-East region (SARDP-NE) which was incorporated in the Union budget. Under this head of account, important road projects are now being implemented in the region and for which, he deserves appreciation from the people of North-East region and Nagaland in particular, Zeliang said. Saying that the demise of Vajpayee is a great loss to the nation and the Naga people in particular, Zeliang on behalf of the Naga People's Front (NPF) extended deepest condolences and prayed to God to grant peace and solace to the bereaved family members, friends, colleagues, and his near and dear ones. He also prayed for the departed soul to rest in eternal peace. Northeast JDU: The North East Executive Council (NEEC) Janata Dal United (JDU) has expressed shock at the demise of Atal Biharii Vajpayee, the former prime minister of India at the AIIMS today. The council said, Vajpayee was one of the most dynamic prime ministers of India who had served the country with unflinching love for democracy and utmost grace for the people of India. He was selfless and unpartisan in his stint as the head of the country. He had unwavering support for secularism, the council said. “He fondly loved the people of NE and took up various initiatives for the welfare of its people. For Nagaland, he is greatly remembered for having journeyed by road from Dimapur to Kohima despite medical conditions which were against such travels braving the potholes at the risk of his knee ailments. He was the only PM who had announced the biggest numbers of various packages for Nagaland,” the condolence message read. The NEEC expressed its deepest condolence to his dear and near ones and prayed for his soul to rest in peace. Seva Bharati: The Seva Bharati of Nagaland has mourned the passing away of Atal Bihari Vajpayee and conveyed the heartfelt condolences to family members and well wishers across the world. Vajpayeej was admired and respected by his opponents because he worked for the nation not for his party's interest, the Seva Bharati said. Saying that in Vajpayeej’s demise the nation has lost a great son, the Seva Bharati offered prayer for the soul to rest in peace.