Kohima, September 26 (MExN): The Kedallo (Vice President) of the Federal Government of Nagaland (FGN), Namrikiu Zeliang, passed away in the early hours of September 24 in Kohima after a prolonged illness.
His mortal remains were taken to and laid to rest at his native place in Samziuram Village, Jalukie, on the same day.
As per a press release from the FGN, the late Namrikiu was a contemporary of national leaders like the former Kedahge (President) of FGN, late Zashei Huire, and the incumbent President of the NNC, Gen (Retd) Thinoselie M. Keyho.
From the 1950s until his last breath, he sacrificed his whole life and remained true and steadfast to his oath of national service, loyally serving the nation under NNC/FGN for over 60 years, it said.
From a village-level national servant, the late Namrikiu became the longest-serving Midan Peyu (Chief Commissioner) of his region for over 30 years and was elected as a Tatar (MP) of the region in 2018, it added. He was elected as the Kedallo of FGN in 2019 and held the office until his last breath.
The FGN noted that Namrikiu’s demise is a great loss and has created a vacuum in its movement at a critical juncture when the nation is in dire need of unwavering guidance from senior leaders and elders like him.
“To fill this void lies only in the hands of God since there are many who are called, but only a few are selected,” it said, adding that his legacy shall forever live on in the annals of Naga history.
Further lauding his patriotism, principles, ideals, and devotion, the late Namrikiu was posthumously conferred the “Nagaland Star,” the highest national award, on September 24, the FGN stated.
To pay homage and honor the departed national leader, the FGN declared a national mourning week from September 24 to 30, and the national flag shall be flown at half-mast in government offices during this period, it added.
