Condolences pour in for AK Lungalang
Dimapur, May 14 (MExN): Member of Collective Leadership NSCN (IM), AK Lungalang passed away after prolonged illness at Eden Hospital, Dimapur on May 13 last. Lungalang was accorded National Funeral Ceremony at Camp Hebron on May 14. His mortal remain will be laid to rest at Heningkunglwa village on May 15.
Following his demise, the NSCN (IM) Chairman, General Secretary and others have offered condolences.
NSCN (IM) Chairman, Q Tuccu in a press note said “it is difficult to believe that AK Lungalang, Member of Collective Leadership, and one of the tallest figures of Naga political movement, is no more with us.” Tuccu said that Lungalang ‘set his footprints in National service under NNC (Naga National Council) in 1962 when he was appointed as Commissioner, Japfu State.’
“As a man with iron will he never bogged down under any situation. There was an occasion when he was arrested by Gorkha Regiment on 2nd November, 1968. During the captivity, he fasted for 54 days and nights. Ultimately, he was unconditionally released by the Government of India,” Tuccu said. “He officially joined NSCN in the year 1991 and has served in various capacities. After he was elected as the first Tatar representing the Zeliangrong Region in 1994 he has served the Naga nation as Kilonser holding the portfolios of Education, Law & Justice, and Kilo in different period. He served as Steering Committee member from 2000 to 2002 and again from 2004 to 2007. He held the post of Speaker, Tatar Hoho, from 2007-2008. He was made as Executive Member, Steering Committee in 2008 and later on inducted as member, Collective Leadership in 24th June, 2013,” Tuccu stated.
NSCN (IM) General Secretary, TH Muivah recollected Lungalang as a complete man filled with integrity, dignity and also a good-humoured person. “He was given various key posts in the Government and the party; in all of it he exhibited true leadership and statesmanship that shaped the Government and the party. As a member of the lndo-Naga Political Talk team, he was instrumental in taking forward the lndo-Naga peace process to where it has reached today,” Muivah stated. He added that “His journey in the Naga national movement is a legacy which will be an inspiration to the younger generations in all ways of life, specially the unwavering national spirit in trying times of the Naga national struggle. His contributions and achievements in building the nation shall be cherished in all days to come.”
The Zeliangrong Baudi (N) in a condolence message stated that Lungalang’s life has become “a history of struggle and of inspiration of hope and example for the living Nagas.” 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, the ZB(N) stated. “Rest assures that our leader is rewarded with eternal reward or his service and contributions for the Naga nation,” the baudi added.
The Zelu Council Manipur & Nagaland said that “AK Lungalang was a remarkable, courageous, visionary and peace loving man, who had immensely contributed for the cause of Naga Nation in general and Zeliangrong Community in particular.” “He was a true and tall leader who stood firm for the unity of the Zeliangrong Community, based on the principle of truth and history of common ancestors” the council added.
