Dimapur, May 14 (EMN): Member of the NSCN (IM) collective leadership, AK Lungalang, passed away on May 13 at Eden Hospital in Dimapur after a prolonged illness.
He was born on June 5, 1930, in Benrau village under Peren district and served the people in various fields as the president of Zeliangrong Baptist Association in 1972-75. He later joined the national service as commissioner of Jafu state (NNC) in 1962-68 and then joined the Naga national movement in 1991 and appointed as the first tatar of Zeliangrong region in 1994 in the fold of NSCN-IM. He was promoted to education kilonser in 1997 and later as law and justice kilonser in 1999, as steering committee Member in 2000-2002, kilo kilonser in 2002 to 2004, steering committee member in 2004-2007, as speaker of tatar hoho assembly in 2007-2008, executive member of steering committee in 2008 -2013 and inducted to collective leadership on June 24, 2013, till date.
He was accorded national funeral ceremony at Camp Hebron on May 14 at 2 pm. His mortal remain would be laid to rest at his village Heningkunglwa on May 15 at 11 am.
The NSCN (IM) ato kilonser, Th. Muivah, has described AK Lungalang as a complete man filled with integrity, dignity and also a good humoured person, who had served the national cause with full commitment till his last moment.
Muivah stated that he had exhibited true leadership and statesmanship in all his assignments and added that as a member of the Indo-Naga political talk team, he was instrumental in taking forward the Indo-Naga peace process to where it has reached today.
Muivah stated that his contributions and achievements in building the nation would be cherished in all days to come. He has further conveyed condolence to the bereaved family members and prayed to the Almighty God to grant peace to the departed soul.
In a separate statement, NSCN (IM) chairman, Q Tuccu, has described AK Lungalang as a man with iron-will who never bogged down under any situation. He cited an instance when he was arrested by Gorkha regiment on November 2, 1968, during which he fasted for 54 days and nights.
Tuccu stated that Lungalang was a member of the team that held parleys in Bangkok with the representatives of the government of India in the month of July 1997 that ended with the declaration of second Indo-Naga ceasefire on August 1, 1997.
He expressed pride that Lungalang has left behind his record of distinguished service that would go down into the pages of Naga history. Tuccu lamented that with his demise, Nagas have lost an outstanding patriot and son of the soil and added that his unwavering commitment and sacrifice towards the Naga political cause would be remembered for all times to come.
He has further conveyed condolence to the bereaved family members.
ZB (N): The Zeliangrong Baudi (N), while mourning the demise of AK Lungalang, stated that he has left behind his best contributions as a legacy for the Nagas. It stated that his life was a history of struggle and of inspiration of hope and example for the living Nagas.
It added that he had experienced and tasted life as a soldier, worker and leader of the Naga people and nation since his youthful life till his last breath. It further conveyed condolence to the bereaved family.
Zelu Council: The Zelu Council (Manipur and Nagaland) has described him as remarkable, courageous, visionary and peace loving man, who had immensely contributed for the cause of Naga nation in general and Zeliangrong community in particular. It also described him as a true and tall leader who stood firm for the unity of the Zeliangrong community basing on the principle of truth and history of common ancestors. While lamenting the loss, the council stated that his contributions for his people and the Naga nation would be an inspiration for the younger generation. It further conveyed condolence to the bereaved family members.