Nagaland first MP to Rajya Sabha, M Vero passes away

Late Melhupra Vero. (File Photo)

Morung Express News
Dimapur | January 24

The first Naga MP to the Rajya Sabha, Melhupra Vero (popularly known as M Vero) passed away on Friday around 7 am at his residence in Chakhesang colony, Dimapur. He was 85 years old.

He was the MP of Rajya Sabha for two consecutive terms from 1964-74. 

Hailing from Runguzu village in Phek district, M. Vero also served as a Member of Indo-Naga Peace Mission during 1956-57. He went on to serve as Member of Parliamentary Committee for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes from 1966-69.

M. Vero was first elected to the Nagaland Legislative Assembly on NNO ticket in 1974. He was re-elected to the NLA in 1989 and became a Cabinet Minister.

Late M. Vero was also the first President of Naga Hoho and served in that capacity from 1998-2004. He also served in other civil society organizations including Chakhesang Tribal Council as the Chairman and Chakhesang Public Organization as the President.

He was accorded the prestigious Padmashree by the President of India in 2005 for his contributions to the society.

Send off programme for M. Vero would be held at NER Agri Expo site, 4th Mile Dimapur on January 25 at 9 am after which the mortal remains would be taken to his native village. 

Gov, CM, Speaker condoles 

Condolences poured in from all quarters following the demise of Late M Vero. In his condolence message, Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio remembered Late Vero as a political giant and popular political leader who rendered invaluable services towards the resolution of the decades old Naga political issue. 

Rio said his manifold services for the Naga people can never be forgotten and the vacuum created by his demise would be difficult to fill. 

Governor of Nagaland and Meghalaya, RN Ravi said Late Vero was decorated with one of the highest civilian honour, Padma Shri in 2006 for his contributions to the society. He had served the society in different capacities as Member of Parliament (RS), Minister of Nagaland Government, President of Naga Hoho, etc. In his death the State has lost a dedicated and sincere public leader, he added. 

Nagaland Legislative Assembly Speaker-in-Charge, Sharingain Longkumer remembered Late Vero as a dynamic public leader who dedicated his life for the welfare of the Naga people. in his death, the State has lost a committed leader who championed the cause of the people tirelessly throughout his long years of public life, Longkumer said.