Dimapur, March 26 (MExN): Wokshing Phom, an ex-MLA, passed away today after at the Zion Hospital, Dimapur after a brief illness. He was 80. He is survived by his wife, 4 sons and 1 daughter. Born in January, 1937, late Wokshing was elected Member of Legislative Assembly in 1974 from Tamlu Assembly Constituency. Prior to entering politics, he had served as a Pastor. CM, Speaker mourn Nagaland Chief Minister Dr Shurhozelie Liezietsu and Nagaland Legislative Assembly Speaker Dr. Imtiwapang Aier have expressed grief to hear of the demise of Wokshing Phom. In a condolence message, Dr Liezietsu termed late Wokshing “an old colleague of mine” and called to mind the turbulent period during the early 1970s when the government of India carried out massive operations to flush out the Naga insurgents from their hideouts. “It was a time when the people could not really decide if they should participate in the Indian elections or support the Naga movement for self determination. However, many of us were of the considered view that we should be part of the Indian electioneering process to ensure return of normalcy to the land,” Dr Liezietsu recollected and added that late Wokshing was also one among those sharing the same view. “When party leaders of the United Democratic Front interacted with the general public of Tamlu Constituency, they found that he was quite popular with the grassroots people and the party ticket was allotted to him with which he won the elections in 1974. However, within a year, national emergency was declared and President’s Rule was imposed all over the country,” Dr Liezietsu recalled. “I haven’t met him for quite some years but heard from my party functionaries earlier this year that he was in good health and had made plan to catch up with him one of these days. However, this was not to be and I grief his demise,” Dr Liezietsu rued in his message. Stating that Nagas have lost a politician “who was truly concerned for the uplift of the general mass and stood for what he believed in”, the Chief Minister on behalf of the government and people of Nagaland, conveyed heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and prayed that the Almighty grant them solace and comfort at this hour of grief. In a separate message, NLA Speaker Dr. Imtiwapang Aier on his own behalf and on behalf of the state Legislative Assembly conveyed heartfelt condolences.
