Opposition leader mourns deaths

Dimapur, Jan. 27 (EMN): Leader of opposition, TR Zeliang,has mourned the demise of senior NPF party leader, Lutkholal Singson (Lutlal), vice president of 5 Ghaspani-II AC, who passed away on January 26 at NEIGRIHMS, Shillong, after a brief illness. According to Zeliang, Lutkholal Singson (66) hails from Sirhima village under Ghaspani-II AC, Dimapur district, and was a strong regionalist who served the party in various capacities. He has described him as an upright, sincere and honest leader. Lamenting that his demise was a loss for the party and the Kuki community, Zeliang stated that the vacuum caused by his untimely demise would be difficult to fill. He has further conveyed condolence to the bereaved family and prayed to the Almighty God to grant them strength to bear with the loss. He has also prayed for the departed soul to rest in peace. In a separate statement, Zeliang has mourned the demise of Dingakthui Phianrongdi Panmei, popularly known as DP Panmei. He has described DP Panmei as a visionary leader, who understood the pain and suffering of his people. Apart from serving the Zeliangrong Students’ Union, Naga Students’ Federation, Naga Peoples’ Movement for Human Rights and the Northeast students and youth organisation in various capacities, Zelaing stated that Panmei had guided the All Zeliangrong Students’ Union (Assam, Manipur, Nagaland) from 1972 to 1977 as its third president. He had also served as personal secretary to the great freedom fighter, Rani Gaidinliu from 1973 to 1975. According to Zeliang, Panmei was a Member of District Council, Tamenlong Autonomous District Council from 1984 to 1988 and the general secretary of Zeliangrong People’s Convention (ZPC) from 1989 to 1994. He also founded Christian Grammar School and served as its principal from 1991 to 1994. He lamented that the demise of Panmei was a loss to the Zeliangrong people and the Nagas in particular. He has further conveyed condolence to the bereaved family members.