Former MLA R Lisen dies; condolences offered

Kohima, May 4 (MExN): Chief Minister TR Zeliang and NLA Speaker Chotisuh Sazo have expressed grief at the demise of R. Lisen, former Member of Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA) in Dimapur.  

A condolence message from Zeliang recollected that a theologian by education and inclination, late Lisen entered into politics when he successfully contested in the first general election in Nagaland in 1964. He returned to the field of theology and served as the Pastor of Mokokchung Town Baptist Church in 1968.  

Even after retirement from active politics, Lisen continued to serve the people by translating, printing and reprinting the books written by early American missionaries about the Northeast India, Zeliang said. Even at his ripe old age, he actively and passionately continued as recent as last year to educate the younger generation about the contributions of the missionaries to the Naga society in particular and the region in general, he added.  

“A pioneer Naga theologian and social worker, he was also a pioneer state politician who attempted to provide good governance to the people with a liberal dose of Christian ethics to administration. In his death, Nagas have lost a truly Christian social and political activist who wanted to change the people and society according to the Holy Book,” Zeliang stated.

In a separate message, Sazo recounted that late R. Lisen was a youth worker in Mokokchung from 1958-1963; attended second Asian Baptist Youth Conference held in Tokyo in 1961; got elected to the Nagaland Legislative Assembly in the general election held in 1964 from Jangpetkong constituency but later resigned. He was re-elected from Mokokchung Town constituency in the general election held in 1974.

“Late R. Lisen has infinitely upheld highest decorum on the floor of the Nagaland Assembly. In his public life he at all times adhered to the principle of honesty, probity, and simple living,” Sazo said. The condolence note further stated that the late MLA contributed abundantly for the development of the state of Nagaland. He also demonstrated supreme concern for the welfare of the poor, it added.  

Sazo and Zeliang also conveyed heartfelt condolences to the family of the deceased.