Kiyanilie Peseyie passes away

Former NLA Speaker, ex-minister and present NPF MLA of 8-Western Angami A/C, Kiyanilie Peseyie passed away on Wednesday around 2.30 a.m. at Zion Hospital Dimapur after a brief illness. He was 76 and leaves behind his wife, two sons, seven daughters and 15 grandchildren.

A send off funeral service of late Peseyie would be held on September 28, 8 a.m. at Kuda village Dimapur and thereafter a state funeral service would be held at Centenary ground, Baptist Church Jotsoma village at 1 p.m. A native of Jotsoma village, late Peseyie was born in 1941. He was elected on NPF ticket in 2003, 2008 and 2013. He was two-time Nagaland Legislative Assembly Speaker (2003-2013) and Minister for Social Welfare & Parliamentary Affairs from March 2013- July 2017. It may be mentioned that late Peseyie was the first and only executive member of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association from the North East to represent India from 2011-2013.

Prior to joining active politics, he served as a teacher in Christian English School Dimapur and Government High School, Dimapur before joining as Inspector of Excise in 1971. He later took voluntary retirement as Additional Commissioner of Excise in 2002 to contest the Assembly Elections in 2003.

He did his early education from Jotsoma village and matriculated from Govt. High School, Dimapur. He graduated from Guwahati University in 1970.

Late Peseyie was also actively involved with various Church and civil society organizations. He was the treasurer of Chakhro Angami Kuda Union (1993-2000), chairman of Kuda village Baptist church executive committee (1989-2002), deacon of the church from 1995-2002 and also served as member of managing board Christian Higher Secondary School, Dimapur. During his studies, he also served as Govt. High School Students’ union president and vice president of Dimapur College Students’ union. 

Described by all as an upright and a humble person, late Peseyie despite witnessing turbulent political upheavals, time and again exhibited political maturity by remaining steadfast to his political ideologies till  he breathed his last.  

Nagaland Governor, P.B. Acharya has expressed sadness over the untimely demise of Kiyanilie Peseyie, MLA. In a condolence message to Vilekhono Peseyie, wife of late Peseyie, Acharya said that the contributions made by late Peseyie for the welfare of the people of Nagaland as an MLA from 2003 till date and as a two time NLA Speaker, one time minister of Social Welfare department & Parliamentary Affairs and also as state excise department official would be remembered forever. “In his demise, people of Nagaland have lost a tall and prominent leader,” the Governor added. Acharya conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family members and prayed to Almighty God to grant strength them and solace to bear the irreparable loss.

CM: State chief minister, T.R. Zeliang expressed deep shock and grief over the sudden demise of Kiyanilie Peseyie.

In his condolence message to Mrs. Vilekhono Peseyie and children, Zeliang said having known and worked together with Peseyie so closely, his demise was a personal loss.

“I will indeed miss my friend dearly and the friendship we shared will remain deeply etched in my memory,” he added.

Zeliang said after an illustrious and fruitful career in the government service for over three decades, he retired voluntarily as Addl. Commissioner Excise and contested the assembly elections in 2003. Describing him as a God fearing man, straightforward and down-to-earth person, Zeliang said late Peseyie not only led an exemplary life but his vision as a leader of the people was truly commendable and an inspiration to all.

CM said late Peseyie’s rare leadership qualities and personal sacrifices immensely contributed towards the stability of the NPF-led DA government during the most trying times. In his death, Zeliang said Nagas in general and Angamis in particular have lost a stalwart leader and the void left behind by his death would be deeply felt and difficult to fill.

Zeliang joined by his family extended deep condolences to the bereaved family members and prayed that Almighty God grant them strength to bear the irreparable loss. 

Dr. SC Jamir: Governor of Odisha, Dr. SC Jamir, has expressed deep grief at the passing away of Kiyanilie Peseyie and said his demise was a great loss to the Naga society.

In his condolence message, Dr. SC Jamir described late Kiyanilie Peseyie as “a tall leader” who remained a strong regionalist till his demise. “He was a committed and dedicated politician whose sole aim was to serve the people, and rendered his service for the welfare of the Naga society,” Dr, Jamir said, adding that the void created by his death would be difficult to fill up.

Further, Dr. Jamir conveyed heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and all the well wishers and prayed that his soul rest in peace.

G Kaito Aye: Minister of National Highway, Political Affairs, G Kaito Aye, said he was “extremely sad” at the untimely demise of Kiyanilie Peseyie, MLA at Zion Hospital, Dimapur. 

In a condolence note, Kaito said late Peseyie was a humble and God-fearing leader who always strived for the betterment of the society. “He was one among the senior members of the 12th Nagaland Legislative Assembly and a very experienced and a great leader,” Kaito said.

The minister also stated that late Peseyie, in his two term stint as Speaker of NLA, upheld the sanctity of the office of the speaker and maintained the decorum of the house to its best.

In his untimely demise, Kaito said the people of 8 Western Angami in particular and the Nagas have lost a very capable and distinguished leader. Further, Kaito prayed that God grant solace to the bereaved family and rest his soul in peace.

Azo condoles: Meanwhile Chairman DAN and leader NPF Party legislature party Kuzholuzo Nienu deeply mourned the sudden demise of Late Keyanilie Peseyie on September 27 at Dimapur.

Azo in a condolence note stated that Late Peseyie was a true leader with principles and integrity and said the vacuum created with the demise of Late Peseyie cannot be replaced.

He conveyed his deep condolence to the bereaved family members and prayed that the departed soul rest in eternal peace.