Former minister, Dr. T Myingthungo Lotha, passed away after a brief illness on March 25, at 11 p.m. at Dr. Motsuo Memorial Hospital, Wokha town. He was 68. He is survived by his wife, six sons and one daughter.
According to family sources, his funeral service would be held at his private residence at Officer’s Colony, Wokha town on March 27, 2020 at 10am and would be laid to rest at his native village Longsa.
Dr. T Myingthungo Lotha, popularly known as Dr. TM Lotha, joined government service as an assistant surgeon in 1977. He later joined active politics and contested the 6th general election held in November 1987 as an NNDP candidate from 38th Wokha Assembly Constituency but lost. Later, he successfully contested the general elections of 1989, 2003 and 2013. Dr.Lotha held several portfolios including home, medical, housing, fire services, and treasuries & accounts, relief and rehabilitation.
Son of late Thungtsomo Ezung, Dr. Lotha was a founding member of Naga Hoho besides chairman of Political Affairs Committee (PAC) from 2008-12.
State chief minister Neiphiu Rio led other political leaders, parties and organsiations in condoling the passing of Dr. TM Lotha.
In a condolence message, Rio said he was saddened to know about the demise of Dr.Lotha and said that in his death the state has lost a good leader. The chief minister recalled that Dr.Lotha served the people of Nagaland in various capacities as a student leader, medical doctor and later as a politician.
Further, Rio extended deepest condolences to bereaved family members.
NLA speaker: NLA speaker Sharingain Longkumer expressed deep grief over the demise of Dr.TM Lotha and said his death has caused a great loss to the Nagas in general and the Lotha community in particular, adding that the void created by him would be difficult to fill.
In a condolence message, NLA speaker described late Dr.Lotha as a dynamic and dedicated man, who worked sincerely for the welfare and uplift of his constituency and the people of Nagaland.
The speaker, on his behalf and on behalf of the Members of the 13th NLA, conveyed heartfelt condolences to Mrs. M. Mhalo Ezung, their children and the other family members.
Dy CM: State deputy chief minister, Y Patton, has expressed deep sadness over the sudden demise of former home minister and senior BJP leader Dr. T. M. Lotha.
In a condolence message, Patton described late Dr.Lotha as “a seasoned and refined politician as well as a dedicated public leader” who had spent his entire life in rendering public welfare services not only as a politician but also as a prominent physician.
The deputy chief minister also said that Dr.Lotha was down to earth and a tall public leader who was always easily accessible by the common people. As PAC chairman, Patton said Dr.Lotha had committed his full time and energy towards finding an early solution to the protracted “Indo-Naga” political issue by pushing forward some core issues as a facilitator.
In his untimely demise, Patton said Lothas in particular and the Nagas in general have lost a great and visionary leader creating a huge void that would be difficult to fill.
Patton, who also the BJP Nagaland legislature party leader, on behalf of state BJP legislators and functionaries, conveyed heartfelt condolences to Mrs Dr. T. M. Lotha and family members during this time of deep sorrow and grief.
Advisor Pukhayi: Expressing shock over the sudden and untimely demise of Dr. TM Lotha, the advisor food & civil supplies, legal metrology & consumer protection, taxes, Pukhayi Sumi, described late leader as “simple and a seasoned Lotha politician” and recalled that they have been in politics for the last more than three decades.
In his death, Pukhayi said the Nagas have lost a visionary Naga leader and the void created by his death would be difficult to fill. “His untimely demise is a personal loss to me,” Pukhayi said.
The advisor conveyed heartfelt condolences to bereaved family members and prayed to the Almighty Lord to grant them strength at this hour of grief and also grant peace to the departed soul.
LOP: Leader of Opposition (LOP) and former chief minister TR Zeliang expressed deep pain and mourned the demise of Dr. T.M Lotha.
In a condolence, Zeliang said Dr.Lotha was one among the Naga leaders who seriously fought and did his best for early solution to Naga political problem. “As elected Members, we shared various platforms together and I found him to be an asset in the struggle for Naga political identity,” LOP said.
Zeliang also recalled that Dr.Lotha was one among the Naga leaders who was truthful to his word and said that his association with late leader during good and bad times was memorable and would be cherished forever.
The former chief minister prayed that the Almighty God grant peace and solace to the bereaved family members during this time of sorrow and departed soul rest in eternal peace.
NH: Expressing deep pain and grief over the sudden demise of Dr.TM Lotha, the Naga Hoho (NH) said his passing away was a great loss for the Naga people.
In a condolence message, Naga Hoho general secretary, K. Elu Ndang, said Dr.Lotha, who was a founding member of NH, was resolute and sincerely worked for bringing peace and Naga political settlement. During his life, NH said he served the Naga people in various capacities with utmost sincerity.
The Hoho conveyed its deepest condolences to the bereaved family members in this moment of grief and sorrow and prayed that God Almighty grant peace and comfort to his near and dear ones and also the departed soul rest in the “eternal home of our Heavenly Father.”
NDPP: Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP) president Chingwang Konyak has expressed shock at the sudden demise of former minister and veteran politician Dr. TM Lotha.
In a condolence message, NDPP president Chingwang Konyak described Dr.Lotha as an affable person, soft-spoken, polished and thorough gentleman. Konyak said Dr.Lotha also possessed a very charming personality and his leadership qualities showed in the bold, prompt and considered decisions he took all throughout his political career. “He dealt with amazing dexterity, the problems which arose in the many departments he looked after in his chequered political life,” NDPP president said.
In his demise, Konyak said the Naga people in general and the Lotha community in particular have lost a dynamic and prominent leader, adding that the void created by his death would be difficult to fill.
NDPP president, on behalf of party rank and file, conveyed heartfelt condolences bereaved family members and prayed to the Almighty to grant them solace and comfort.
NPCC Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC) has expressed shock at the demise of Dr. T. M. Lotha, who it said was a very energetic social and active political worker.
In a condolence message, NPCC president K Therie recalled that they have worked together on various occasions.
NPCC president also described Dr.Lotha as “fearless”, who stood for justice, equality and accepted systems. “He was also a man of his word in his lifetime of service to the people,” Therie said.
NPCC president said his passing away has caused an irreparable loss not only to the family members, but also to Nagaland which has lost a son who could give change. “Our hearts are with the bereaved family during this most painful hour of parting,” he said and conveyed condolences to Mrs. Mhalo, the children and bereaved family members.
Ex-PAN: Ex-Parliamentarian’s Association of Nagaland (Ex-PAN) has expressed deep pain over the demise of former minister of Nagaland, Dr. T M Lotha and said his death was not only a loss to his family members and his constituency but also a loss to the Naga people.
In a condolence message, Ex-PAN president Joshua Sumi said Dr.Lotha served the people of Nagaland by serving as minister holding various portfolios.
Ex-PAN also described Dr. Lotha as a sincere, efficient, humble and realistic leader, who had served his entire life for the welfare of public. “He was a loving husband and father,” it added.
The association prayed that the Almighty God give solace and comfort to the bereaved family members at this moment of grief and rest the departed soul in eternal peace.