Advisor Toshi Wungtung passes away – NAGA REPUBLICNAGA REPUBLIC

Dimapur/Kohima, JUL 2 (NPN) : Advisor of IPR, SCERT and Village Guards Toshi Wungtung passed away at New Delhi Thursday morning after a brief illness. He was 56 and is survived by his wife.

Wungtung was undergoing treatment for post-Covid-19-related health complications in Delhi, official sources confirmed. Earlier, Wungtung was tested positive for Covid sometime in May and admitted to a hospital in Dimapur. He was then airlifted to Delhi’s BLK Hospital on medical advice, sources said.

Wungtung was the son of former minister and four-time legislator K. Yamakam Yimchunger. Wuntung made his electoral debut in 2018 when he contested and won on NDPP ticket from 58 Shamatore-Chessore constituency.

Known for being soft-spoken by nature but outspoken advocate on environment conservation, promotion of Naga cultural identity and traditions, and Naga political issue.

A prayer service was held at the lawns of Nagaland House, New Delhi Thursday evening, attended by chief minister Neiphiu Rio, Mrs Rio, Dy CM Y. Patton, ministers- Temjen Imna Along, Kashiho Sangtam, Lok Sabha MP Tokheho and several other dignitaries.

The service was conducted by NCF pastor Rev. Ricky Medom while short speeches were delivered by chief minister Neiphiu Rio, state BJP president and minister Imna Along, minister Kashiho Sangtam and family members.

State funeral: Wungtung’s body is expected to arrive Dimapur on Friday afternoon after which it would remain in state at his mother’s residence at Purana Bazaar. As decided by the State cabinet at an emergency meeting on Thursday, a State funeral will be accorded to him.

According to a circular issued by chief secretary J Alam, the State funeral will be held at late Wungtung’s mother’s residence premises in Purana Bazaar area Dimapur from 8 a.m. onwards on July 3. After this, the body is likely to be airlifted by chopper to Shamator where he will be laid to rest.

Condolence messages

Nagaland governor RN Ravi and chief minister Neiphiu Rio led others in condoling the passing of advisor ToshiWungtung, who breathed his last Thursday morning in New Delhi.

In a condolence message to Mrs. Lipokla Wungtung, Nagaland governor said late Wungtung tirelessly and selflessly worked for the better future of the youth and dedicated his life to building a peaceful and prosperous Nagaland.

Ravi described late Wungtung as “a visionary leader” and said his contributions towards upliftment of the relatively less developed people of eastern Nagaland would be remembered for years to come.

In his demise, governor said the country and the state had lost a promising and dynamic young leader.

Ravi conveyed heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and prayedthat God bestow the needed fortitude to the family members to bear this tragic loss and grant them solace at this hour of enormous pain.

CM: State chief minister Neiphiu Rio expressed deep shock and pain over the demise of late Toshi Wungtung and said Naga society as a whole has lost a dynamic leader and a true son of the soil.

In a condolence message, Rio said late Wungtung, who was an intellectual activist working with various organisations, civil societies and NGOs, had a vast experience and close networks with all sections including international organisations.

Stating that late Wungtung was a leader who stood for the masses and reflected the aspirations of the people, the chief minister said the vacuum created due to his demise would be difficult to fill.

However, Rio said his legacy would continue to live on through the many lives he touched. The chief minister conveyed heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family members and prayed that Almighty God give them strength and courage to bear the irreparable loss.

NLA speaker: State Assembly (NLA) speaker Sharingain Longkumer described late Toshi Wungtung as an exceptionally dynamic and vibrant leader, who was equally active in the Assembly, government and in the larger public sphere.

In a condolence message, NLA speaker said the Wungtung’s death is a big loss to Nagaland and “our Eastern brethren”in particular, addingthe void created would be very difficult to fill. Sharingain, on behalf of all the Members of the 13th NLA, conveyed deepest condolences and sympathies to the members of the bereaved family and prayed that Almighty God give them strength and fortitude to bear the loss.

ENPO: Eastern Nagaland Peoples’ Organization (ENPO) expressed deepest sorrow at the demise of Toshi Wungtung and said his passing was an immeasurable loss for the people of Eastern Nagaland in particular and the Nagas as a whole. In a condolence message, ENPO said late Wungtung enduringly and selflessly carried to greater heights the cause of the Frontier Nagaland to the present status.

ENPO said that the people of Eastern Nagaland would fondly remember his supreme endurance as he spent many years of his precious and remarkable time in the organization in various capacities such as spokesperson, general secretary, advisor and talk team member.

ENPO extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family members and prayed for the departed soul to rest in eternal peace.

DY.CM: Expressing sadness over the demise of Wungtung, state deputy chief minister and BLP leader Y. Patton said late Wungtung was a spirited young leader, full of energy and dynamism, adding that Nagaland has lost a very young,efficient and visionary leader.

In a condolence message, Patton said late Wungtung was fully committed to uplifting the people of his area and the state of Nagalandas a leader of various NGOs in the past and as an MLA.

Patton termed as “unfortunate” that late Wungtung had to depart so early when he had so much more to deliver.

The deputy chief minister, on behalf of the state BJP legislators, conveyed deepest sympathies to the bereaved family and prayed for the departed to rest in peace.

LoP: Leader of the opposition TR Zeliang mourned the demise of Toshi Wungtung, who he said was a brilliant upcoming Naga leader.

In a condolence message, Zeliang said late Wuntung following the footstep of his father late K. Yamakam Yimchunger, grew up to be an illustrious leader. “His demise is a great loss,” LoP said extended deepest condolences to the bereaved family membersand during this time of grief.

Bio-Data: Toshi Wungtung he did his MA and MPhil from Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) and was associated with many organisations, including as president of Naga Students’ Union Delhi, member of Consultative/Advisory Committee of Naga Students’ Federation, member of border area research and drafting committee of NSF on legal interpretation of Art. 371 (A) in regard to land and resources and 16-Point Agreement.

He also served as a student representative to Academic Council of JNU, senior research fellow of Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR) and associate for ethnic/native studies at the University of Texas, USA.

Wungtung served as spokesperson of Eastern Nagaland People’s Organisation (ENPO) on Indo-Naga political affairs and peace process and in various capacities in both ENPO and Yimchungru Tribal Council, besides being a member of the negotiating team in bilateral-talks between Union ministry of home affairs (MHA) and ENPO for social economic and political empowerment of eastern Nagaland.

He was also a member of Forum for Naga Reconciliation and was working on wildlife conservation, particularly along the Saramati mountain and cross-border areas, besides being UNICEF’s State coordinator for HIV/AIDS, member of governing body of North East Zone Cultural Centre.

ENPO extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family members and prayed for the departed soul to rest in eternal peace.
DY.CM: Expressing sadness over the demise of Wungtung, state deputy chief minister and BLP leader Y. Patton said late Wungtung was a spirited young leader, full of energy and dynamism, adding that Nagaland has lost a very young, efficient and visionary leader.
In a condolence message, Patton said late Wungtung was fully committed to uplifting the people of his area and the state of Nagaland as a leader of various NGOs in the past and as an MLA.
Patton termed as “unfortunate” that late Wungtung had to depart so early when he had so much more to deliver.
The deputy chief minister, on behalf of the state BJP legislators, conveyed deepest sympathies to the bereaved family and prayed for the departed to rest in peace.
LoP: Leader of the opposition TR Zeliang mourned the demise of Toshi Wungtung, who he said was a brilliant upcoming Naga leader.
In a condolence message, Zeliang said late Wuntung following the footstep of his father late K. Yamakam Yimchunger, grew up to be an illustrious leader. “His demise is a great loss,” LoP said extended deepest condolences to the bereaved family membersand during this time of grief.
DIPR: Department of Information & Public Relations has mourned over the untimely demise of Toshi Wungtung.
In a condolence note, IPR commissioner & secretary V. Maria Yanthan and IPR director Z. Tokishe Sema recalled late Wungtung as a visionary and remarkable political leader who served with utmost compassion and dedicated his life for the welfare of the people.
The department said that it remembered him as a warm person who was respected by all, and said that his death was an irreplaceable loss to the society in general and to the department in particular.
At this hour of loss and grief, the officers and staff of the department shared their bereavement with late Toshi Wungtung’s family and loved ones and prayed that the Almighty would grant them solace at this hour.
Temjen Imna Along: Minister higher education & tribal affairs, Temjen Imna Along described late Toshi Wungtung as a deeply knowledgeable gentleman who always stood out from the crowd with his wisdom and tactfulness on varied subjects.
Along also conveyed his deepest condolences to the bereaved family and his near and dear ones.
Paiwang Konyak: Minister transport and civil aviation, railways and land resource Paiwang Konyak said the demise of late Wungtung has created an irreplaceable void in the Naga society in general and eastern Nagaland in particular. In his passing, Paiwang said he has lost a humble and upright leader, trusted colleague and an elder brother. Paiwang conveyed his deepest condolence to the bereaved family members.
Neiba Kronu: Minister planning and coordination, land revenue and parliamentary affairs Neiba Kronu expressed shocked to have learnt the sudden and untimely demise of Toshi Wungtung.
In a condolence note, Kronu said late Wungtung was a prominent leader who tirelessly served the public in various capacities, a sincere leader and active in responsibilities assigned to him and said in his demise Nagas have lost a knowledgeable man, an orator and a dynamic politician. He conveyed his deepest condolences to the bereaved family members.
Tongpang Ozukum: Minister public works department housing & mechanical, Tongpang Ozukum said that late Toshi Wungtung was a true gentleman at heart, a scholar and that he was a trusted brother and a friend.
Tongpang also said that late Wungtung was a skilful orator and a man of impeccable knowledge about the world and his quest for promoting Naga culture, customs and traditions and defending the indigenous right were notable. Further, while maintaining that the Nagas had lost one of the tallest leaders from Eastern Nagaland, Tongpang conveyed his condolences to late Toshi Wungtung’s family.
Namri Nchang: Advisor, water resources department, Namri Nchang described late Toshi Wungtung as a delicate leader and a gentleman who possessed every quality to serve the people. He said that the untimely loss had created void which was irreplaceable, whoever his good deeds and all the exemplary works would be fondly remembered by all. Namri Nchang on behalf of the people of Peren extended condolences to the bereaved family members and prayed that the Almighty would take care of them at this hour of pain and sorrow.
T Yangseo Sangtam: T Yangseo Sangtam, MLA said that late Toshi Wungtung was a visionary and a vibrant leader who was a knowledgeable Legislature among the ENLU members and possessed vast knowledge of social and political issues.
Yangseo said that his demise was a great loss not only for the Yimchunger community but for the entire eastern Nagas and Nagas as a whole. He conveyed heartfelt condolences to bereaved family members and prayed that the Almighty would grant peace and solace at this hour of grief and sorrow.
May the departed soul rest in eternal peace
Advisor Noke: Advisor for social welfare, home guards & civil defence, Noke Wangnao said he was deeply grieved to learn about the sad demise of Toshi Wungtung.
Noke said late Toshi was a visionary leader and an outspoken politician who worked actively for his people. The advisor said his demise was not only a great loss for the family and tribe but for the whole Naga community, particularly the people of Eastern Nagaland.
Further, Noke conveyed deepest sympathy to the family at this hour of grief and prayed that the love and comfort of the Almighty be with them.
Advisor Kazheto: In a condolence message, advisor for CAWD & NSDMA, Kazheto Kinimi has expressed sadness at the untimely demise of his friend and colleague, late Toshi Wungtung.
Kinimi described late Toshi as a modest man of great intelligence and vast knowledge, a true intellect, someone with utmost integrity and who had great concern and vision for his people.
In his demise, Kinimi said that the state has lost a very able and young leader who dedicated his life to serve the people and bring about a positive change to the state as a whole.Further, Kinimi has conveyed his deepest condolences to the bereaved family and prayed for the departed soul to rest in eternal peace.

K.G. Kenye: Member of parliament (Rajya Sabha) said that late Toshi contributed his selfless services for the cause of Naga people in various capacities and with his departure, Nagas had lost a young and dynamic leader. He shared the sorrow with the family members and conveyed them his deepest condolence as God grants them solace and comfort at this moment of grief and sorrow.
MP Tokheho: Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha), Tokheho Yepthomi has expressed deep sadness at the passing of Toshi Wungtung. In a condolence message, Tokheho said late Toshi’s dedication to work for the people was exemplified in his vast workings in numerous non-governmental organisations before his foray in politics. He described late Toshi as a compassionate and humble person, ever eady to work for “our people” and added that his untimely demise left the people with a void which would be difficult to fill. Further, Tokheho conveyed condolences to the bereaved family and prayed that God would give them the courage and faith to bear this loss.
K. Therie: Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee president, K. Therie expressed deep pain over the sudden demise of Toshi Wungtung.
In a condolence note, Therie described late Toshi as a dedicated leader who was sincere in his endeavour to uplift the people he represented. While stating that he dedicated his life in this pursuit evident in the illustrious testimony his career in public service bears, Therie said that the Naga society faced an irreparable loss in his demise as it had lost a farsighted, well educated and upcoming young parliamentarian who passed away too young.
Further, the rank and file of NPCC offered sincere condolences to the bereaved family members and prayed that the Almighty would grant them solace through this painful hour of parting.
EPA: Ex Parliamentarian Association of Nagaland has expressed deep sadness over the untimely demise of Toshi Wungtung. In a condolence message, EPA said despite being a legislator for the first time, late Toshi carried himself with a wealth of experience in academic and social activism, for which he was a well-known leader much before he became an elected member. EPA said his untimely demise was an irreparable loss for the people of Nagaland and would leave a deep void which would be difficult to be filled. EPA conveyed condolences the bereaved family members and prayed that God would give them strength and solace.
Abu Metha: Advisor to chief minister, Abu Metha has expressed shock and sadness at the untimely demise of late Toshi Wungtung, a close friend and a brother.
In a condolence message, Metha described late Toshi as a brilliant mind, an intellectual and a visionary leader who had deep concern for the Nagas and constantly strived for a better and more peaceful future for the larger Naga family.
Metha conveyed his condolences to the members of the bereaved family and prayed to the Almighty God to grant them strength during this time of grief.
NDPP: Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party president, Chingwang Konyak has expressed shock at the demise of Toshi Wungtung. In a condolence message, Konyak recalled his close association with Toshi’s family for over half a century and intimate association Toshi since 1980s.
Konyak said Toshi and he frequently got together to discuss issues facing the Naga people in general and the Eastern Naga areas in particular, saying that the latter had a strong concern for the Naga people. Konyak said Toshi was also a founding member of NDPP and that his contribution to the success of the party was sterling. In his demise, Konyak said the party had lost a strong pillar, especially from the Eastern Naga area and the void created would be difficult to fill.
Konyak along with the rank and file of NDPP conveyed condolences to the bereaved family members and prayed that the Almighty grant solace and comfort at this hour of grieve.
Ao Senden: Ao Senden said it shared the grief with the family of late Toshi Wungtung in this time of great mourning. Ao Senden said late Toshi was a man of vision who worked selflessly as an elected leader for the welfare of the people. In his demise, Ao Senden said that the people of Nagaland had lost a dynamic leader and that Ao people had lost an affectionate “Anükapang” (in-law) and that his demise created a deep vacuum that could not be filled in. Ao Senden has conveyed deep condolence to the wife and family members of late Toshi.
NGBF: Nagaland Gaon Bura federation said it was disheartened to learn about sudden demise of Toshi Wungtung. In a condolence message, NGBF said late Toshi was a man of tremendous potential whose visions and services were essential for Naga society. In his demise, NGBF said the people have lost a visionary leader and the vacuum created would be difficult to fill. NGBF conveyed deepest condolences to the bereaved family.