Thousands of people from all walks of life paid emotional and glowing tribute to former NLA speaker and ex-minister, late Kiyanilie Peseyie at Centenary Compound Baptist Church, Jotsoma on Thursday afternoon. He was laid to rest with full state honours.
Speaking at the funeral service, NPF president Dr. Shürhozelie Liezietsu, MLA expressed pain that the state has not only lost a man who had great human values but a true son of the soil.
Describing him as an honest and straightforward person, Dr. Liezietsu said late Peseyie had always upheld his moral principles of life throughout. Recalling the 10-year tenure of late Peseyie as the NLA speaker, Dr. Liezietsu said under late Peseyie’s Speaker-ship, NLA remained one of the most disciplined house in the country. He said late Peseyie has left a legacy that Nagas can be really proud of.
Rajya Sabha MP, K.G. Kenye said during late Peseyie’s time as speaker, his leadership was unwavering and held led the DAN-I and DAN-III with a difference.
Living an exemplary life, Kenye said late Peseyie was a rare peace of jewel for the Naga society and most of the younger politicians had many things to learn from him. On behalf of the NPF party and the legislators, Kenye thanked the family members, relatives, villagers and citizens of 8 Western Angami Assembly Constituency for giving such a person to the state to serve the people.
Speaking on behalf of the state, NLA Speaker, Dr. Imtiwapang Aier expressed deep pain over the demise of Kiyanilie Peseyie. He said late Peseyie’s demise was a great loss to the Nagas in general and the Angami community in particular.
Reading out the profile and activities of late Peseyie, Dr. Imtiwapang described late Peseyie as a simple and humble person who selflessly carried out his duties. As a speaker, he was able to instil discipline in the house as well as the officers and staffs of NLA.
DAN chairman and NPF legislature party leader, Kuzholuzo (Azo) Nienu described late Peseyie as a true leader with integrity and principles. Azo said late Peseyie created history for two terms by maintaining the most peaceful house as the speaker. “Such history will not take place unless one comes and enter the house with determination,” he said. Azo said late Peseyie was a person who always stood for justice and had discharged his duty dutifully.
In his brief address, director social welfare Merangtsungba Aier expressed shock over the demise of late Peseyie. He said late Peseyie was a righteous father, inspiring officer and true leader, whose legacy would live on.
Late Peseyie’s son, Seyiesezo Peseyie thanked all individuals and organization, party workers for extending their support and encouragement towards their family and also the NPF party for reposing their faith and trust on his father.
On behalf of the state, chief secretary Pankaj Kumar laid a wreath followed by the ceremonial guard of honour for the departed soul. Others who spoke included— Western Angami Public Organization president, Jotsoma Village Council representative and family members. Host of legislators, officials, NGOs, student organizations and people from neighboring villages attended the funeral service.