Kohima, October 15 (MExN): Several people and organisations have mourned the demise of former minister, Government of Nagaland, Lhiweshelo Mero who passed away in Kohima on October 13.
L Mero was elected to the fourth Nagaland Legislative Assembly from Pfutsero Constituency in 1977 and served a Minister of State in-charge of Works & Housing and Jails in 1978.
Governor: Governor of Nagaland, Prof Jagdish Mukhi said that Lhiweshelo Mero was a visionary leader who, under the most adverse circumstances, worked untiringly and selflessly for building a peaceful and prosperous Nagaland. His contribution to the people of Nagaland in various assignments will be remembered for ever. In his demise, people of Nagaland have lost a tall and prominent leader, he stated.
“I on behalf of the people of Nagaland and my own behalf, convey our heartfelt condolences. I pray to God to bestow the needed fortitude to the family members of Lhiweshelo Mero to bear this tragic loss and grant them solace at this hour of enormous pain,” the Governor added.
NLA Speaker: Sharingain Longkumer Speaker, Nagaland Legislative Assembly said that Mero was a very humble and a dedicated man who worked tirelessly for the welfare and development of his constituency and for the people of Nagaland. His contributions shall always be cherished. “On behalf of the Members of the 13th Nagaland Legislative Assembly and on my own behalf, I express my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family of L Mero and pray for eternal peace of the departed soul,” the Speaker said.
CM: The Chief Minister of Nagaland, Neiphiu Rio said that the former legislator was a person who selflessly served the society from a young age. He was president of Naga Students' Union Darjeeling and Vice President of Chakhesang Students' Union Kohima. He was also elected as the member of Regional Council, Pfutsero. Later he joined State politics in 1977.
“Apart from being a tall leader, he was a jovial and a humble gentleman with a big heart, who cared much for the society's welfare. The Chakhesang community in particular and the Naga society as a whole has lost a visionary leader, a mentor and a father figure. The vacuum created by his demise will be difficult to fill. However, let us celebrate his life and treasure the wonderful memories he has imprinted in us,” the CM said.
NPCC: The Nagaland Congress president K Therie said that Mero was not only a friend but more a brother to me. “We knew each other since school days and travelled together living in the political arena. He was a good human being and a tall leader. In his passing away, we have lost a leader who had yet much to contribute to society,” he said while conveying condolence to the bereaved family.
Naiba: Nagaland Planning & Coordination, Land Revenue And Parliamentary Affairs Minister Neiba Kronu said that Mero was an exceptional and distinguished figure who was respected by all. He was mentor, a dedicated public leader and a humble God fearing person who dedicated his entire life for his community. “We have lost a noble and dynamic leader who was an inspiration to all the Nagas,” Kronu stated in a condolence message.
CPO: In his demise, Chakhesang community has loss a great soul who exhibits an exemplary quality of leadership to be emulated by both young and old, stated Chakhesang Public Organization (CPO) in a condolence message. His contributions towards community service and development activities are commendable which will be always remembered, stated CPO.
PDBA: Phek District Bar Association (PDBA) stated “In his demise, we have lost a tall political leader in the state of Nagaland in general and the Phek district in particular who had rendered his best service for the welfare of his people.”
Dy CM: Deputy Chief Minister of Nagaland and BLP leader Y Patton said that Mero represented 16 Pfutsero Constituency in 1977 and was made a minister. He served the people with sincerity and devoted his time in the service of the people. “In his death, we have lost an elderly figure.” Patton stated in a condolence message.
Thenucho Tunyi: The Former Speaker said that Mero was a seasoned politician who always had concern for the development of the community. “Knowing his personality, I found that he had the ability and dynamism to make friendship with others and create cohesion among people. He was a gentle politician who brings out applicable suggestion in time of any crisis to resolve an issue and encourages meaningful discussion. For those who knew him personally, Lhiweshielo was a self-contended politician and he has left behind a legacy of an exemplary leader,” Tunyi said.
“Leaving aside his political affiliation, he kept cordial relationship with everybody and continued serving the people. In his passing away, we have lost a seasoned politician and a good human being,” he added.
KG Kenye: The MP stated that Mero was a former minister, student leader, social worker and a patriot who dedicated his whole life and made immense contribution for the welfare of our people in various capacities. “In his demise the people of Nagaland have lost a tall leader, a prominent citizen and a fatherly figure whose void will be difficult to fill again. His exemplary life and contributions towards the well-being of our people will remain as a testimony for all times to come,” Kenye added.
