Dimapur, Jan. 30 (EMN): Former NLA speaker, Thenucho Tunyi, has mourned the demise of former defence minister, George Fernandes, who passed away on January 29.
Tunyi has described George as a remarkable leader who contested election in 1977 while he was in jail and won with a thumping majority. Tunyi added that he was a trustworthy leader, always down to earth and remained the same whether he was in or out of the government and a socialist at heart who fought -for-the-rights of the minority, the weak and the down trodden. He also described George as the face of secularism in Indian politics, kind hearted and free from corruption, adding George was among the few politicians in India who knew about the political rights of the Nagas.
He lamented that in his death, people have lost a true friend of the Nagas and the Northeast. He has further prayed for the departed soul to rest in peace.
JD (U): State unit of the Janata Dal (United), while mourning the demise of George Mathew Fernandes, described him as a tallest socialist leader, trade unionist leader, founder president of the Samata Party, anti- emergency crusader, and key member of Janata Dal led by Moraji Desai who defeated Indira Gandhi in 1977.
A joint statement issued by state JD (U) president NSN Lotha and the general secretary, Kitoho S Rotokha, also described Fernandes as a journalist, agriculturist, politician and voice of the downtrodden people.
They lamented that in his demise, the country has lost a tallest leader whose contributions has shaped the nation. They further prayed for the eternal rest of the departed soul.
