Guwahati: E.T. Ezung, a former Speaker of the Nagaland Assembly and minister, died in Dimapur on October 1 at the age of 75. His family said he had been unwell for a short period.
Ezung was elected to the Nagaland Legislative Assembly three times from the 40 Bhandari Assembly constituency in Wokha district. He first entered the Assembly in 1983 and later served as a member of the 7th and 10th Nagaland Legislative Assemblies.
He held the posts of Deputy Speaker and Speaker and also served as a minister with several portfolios. He had a long association with the Congress and served as a member of the Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee’s (NPCC) core committee.
Ezung graduated from St Edmund’s College in Shillong in 1974. He remained engaged in public service and worked for the Lotha community and wider Naga society. He was also associated with student and youth organisations, community institutions and public forums.
Ezung is survived by his wife and two daughters.
Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio mourned Ezung’s death and said his contribution to public life and service to the people of Nagaland would be remembered with respect. Rio also recalled Ezung’s association with the Joint Legislators’ Forum (JLF), through which legislators from different political parties worked towards a peaceful and honourable settlement of the Naga political issue.
Deputy Chief Minister Yanthungo Patton said Ezung’s death marked the end of an important chapter in Nagaland’s political history. He recalled Ezung’s work for the Lotha community and Naga society and expressed condolences to his family.
Assembly Speaker Sharingain Longkumer said Ezung devoted much of his life to public service and the welfare of the people of Nagaland. He also recalled Ezung’s association with student and youth organisations, community institutions and public forums.
Nagaland Lok Sabha MP and NPCC president S Supongmeren Jamir remembered Ezung as a “gentleman” and veteran politician who served the Congress in different capacities. Jamir said Ezung remained involved in party affairs during both difficult and favourable periods.
“Ezung’s death has left the Congress without a veteran leader, while Nagaland has also lost a public figure who served the state for many years,” Jamir said. He expressed condolences to Ezung’s family on behalf of the NPCC.
The Ex-Parliamentarians Association of Nagaland (Ex-PAN) also expressed condolences over Ezung’s death and said he served as its Wokha district representative and executive member until his death.