Veteran politician, former NPCC president and former minister K.V Pusa passed away Monday early morning at Oking Hospital Kohima after a brief illness. He was 62 and is survived by his wife, two sons, a daughter and three grandchildren.
Elected four-times MLA, late Pusa had served as minister of Veterinary & Animal Husbandry (1998-1999) and minister of Roads & Bridges and Mechanical (2000-2003) during the SC Jamir government. He also served as the president of the Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC) in 2008-09 and was a sitting member of the All India Congress Committee (AICC).
Besides his political career, Late Pusa was also associated with social activities including students’ union, farmers and sports organizations and he was also the chairman of Mezhür Higher Secondary School Kohima and a founding member of the Nagaland Contractors’ and Suppliers’ Union.
In an emotional funeral service held at his residence Monday afternoon, many speakers mentioned the charismatic personality of late Pusa, his humility and described him as man of principle. MP Lok Sabha Neiphiu Rio reminisced his fond memories, shared with late Pusa whom he said was his childhood friend and colleague. He said late Pusa was an able leader who gave his all to his people.
Late Pusa’s old mate, former CLP leader and current PHE minister Tokheho Yepthomi expressed shock and said it was difficult to believe that his friend Pusa was no more. He said Pusa was one of the best human beings he had known, who had the quality of leadership, patience and tolerance and lot of reasoning in public life. He said Nagas and Viswema villagers had lost a visionary leader.
Late Pusa’s old congress colleagues and friends, former minister Nillo Rengma, former home minister I. Imkong, Z. Lohe and others also paid rich tribute to late Pusa. Dr. Elivil Pusa spoke on behalf of the family members.
Condolence messages of governor P.B. Acharya, Odhisa’s governor Dr. S.C Jamir and Nagaland’s chief minister T.R. Zeliang were also read out at the funeral service. Also former chief minister Arunachal Pradesh Nabam Tuki, NPCC, Ex-Parliamentarian Association of Nagaland, BJP state unit, Nagaland Post, Naga Hoho, APO, AMK, AYO, ASU, NPYC, KDCC, Phek DCC, Mao Union Kohima, Poumai Union, SAPO, former MP W Wangyuh Konyak and several others condoled the death of K.V Pusa.
State home minister Y. Patton, MLA Er. Kropol Vitsu, parliamentary secretaries Amenba Yaden, Deo Nukhu, NSMDC chairman Neiphrezo Keditsu, advisor to CM Merentoshi R Jamir and several others attended the funeral service.
The mortal remains of late Pusa was taken to his native village Viswema for his final journey. Meanwhile, various individuals and organizations have condoled the demise of late K. V. Pusa.
Governor of Nagaland: Governor of Nagaland, P.B. Acharya extended deep condolences on the death of late K.V. Pusa. Governor described late Pusa as a great social worker, a person who had worked for the welfare of all the Naga tribes. Acharya stated that late Pusa had a very pleasant and accommodating personality and was very secular respecting all religion. Acharya stated that late Pusa was minister of Roads and Bridges, member of All India National Congress, president of Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee and had contributed immensely towards the development of the state and in particular the Southern Angami region. Acharya stated that his vast contribution in various fields would always be treasured and remembered by the people of the state. Governor offered his deepest sympathy and prayer to the family and all the near and dear ones during this time of sorrow and pray almighty God to comfort the family and may God give strength to overcome from this tough time.
Dr. S. C. Jamir: Governor of Odisha, Dr. S. C. Jamir expressed deep shock to hear the sudden demise of late K.V. Pusa. Jamir in a condolence message stated that late Pusa started his political career at a young age and had the privilege of serving the people in different capacities with dignity. Jamir recalled that late Pusa worked under him as a minister and an office-bearer of the party for many years. Jamir stated that in whatever responsibility he was assigned, late Pusa did it with sincerity and honesty. Stating that late Pusa was one of the leading lights among his peers, Jamir appreciated at how he had served the people of Nagaland with love, devotion and commitment. Stating that at a very crucial and critical political and social firmament in the state, the Nagas had been deprived of his contributions and service, added Jamir. Jamir along with his wife further conveyed heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and pray that his soul rest in peace.
T. R. Zeliang: Chief minister of Nagaland, T. R. Zeliang in a condolence message described late K. V. Pusa as a thorough gentleman, with his personality as the epitome of humility, always approachable and ready to extend a helping hand or a word of advice to all who sought an audience with him. Chief minister said that late Pusa was profoundly dedicated and committed to his principles and beliefs and maintained an unwavering stand to his political ideologies. Zeliang also stated that late Pusa was a meek and humble person who had endeared himself to one and all, and was forever concerned about the welfare of the downtrodden, the deprived and the general mass. Zeliang remembered that late Pusa was one of the good old friends to congratulate him when he took over the responsibility to steer the affairs of the state government in 2014, stating that late Pusa was emphatic that the necessity of the time was to provide good governance to the people and that the people desired peace and development. Zeliang stated that besides political affiliation the long remarkable time together as family friend would always be cherished by him, his wife and children. Zeliang further stated that he had lost a very good and personal friend, while the Naga society has been deprived of a tall political leader whose absence would surely dim the horizons and the vacuum created would be difficult to be replaced. T. R. Zeliang on behalf of the people of Nagaland and his family members also extended profound condolences to the bereaved family members and pray to the Almighty to grant them solace and comfort and that the departed soul rest in eternal peace.
Chotisuh Sazo: Speaker of Nagaland Legislative Assembly, Chotisuh Sazo in a condolence message described late K. V. Pusa as a man of vision and a dynamic leader who had dedicated his life for the dignity and integrity amongst the Naga brothers and sisters. Sazo further stated that late Pusa was a man of multifaceted personality whose concern for social welfare and upliftment of the society led him to be associated with various social organizations. His death has caused a great loss to the Nagas in general and Angami community in particular and the void created by him would be difficult to fill, stated Sazo.
Sazo on his own behalf and on behalf of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly conveyed heartfelt condolences and that God grant solace, courage and comfort to the bereaved family and for the departed soul to rest in eternal peace.
Y. Patton: Home minister of Nagaland, Y. Patton expressed deep shock to learn the sudden and untimely passing away of KV Pusa, former minister and veteran leader. Patton in a condolence message stated that the sudden and untimely demise was a great loss to the Nagas in general and the Angamis in particular and that the void created by his untimely demise would be difficult to fill. Patton along with his wife conveyed heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family members of late Mhonshan Murry (Asha) and pray to Almighty Lord to grant them strength and peace to the departed soul.
C. L. John: Minister of RD & REPA, C. L. John in a condolence message stated that late K. V. Pusa, during his short span of life proved, undoubtedly one of the sincere, hardworking and bonafide citizen as well as one of a competent public leader in his own capacity with a kind heart, integrity, ample bookish knowledge and vast wisdom. John stated that it would therefore be very difficult to fill the vacuum caused by his premature death and his service to the Angami community in particular and to Nagas in general. John also said that late Pusa’s untiring voluntary services to society and individual would be heartily remembered by one and all. John further shared deepest sorrow and sympathy with the bereaved family and pray that Almighty God grant peace and solace to the departed soul.
Deo Nukhu: Parliamentary secretary of Higher and Technical Education, Deo Nukhu expressed shock at the sudden demise of late K. V. Pusa. Nukhu described late Pusa as good at heart, good friend of both young and old and also a prominent Naga leader regardless of political party colour. Nukha mourned that his passing away would leave behind a vacuum not only to his constituency but to all Naga people. Nukhu also prayed that the departed soul rest in eternal peace.
W. Wangyuh: Ex-MP (RS), W. Wangyuh Konyak in a condolence message stated that late Pusa had served the people of Nagaland in many capacities such as minister and president, NPCC. Wangyuh stated that late Pusa’s contributions would always be remembered. He also stated that late Pusa was a friend, a man of principles, honest and simple. In his death, the people of Nagaland has lost a good leader in general and particularly for the Angami community, stated Wangyuh. Wangyuh on his own behalf and on behalf of his family conveyed deepest condolences to the bereaved family.
ENLU: Eastern Nagaland Legislators Union (ENLU) convenor and Nagaland Health and Family Welfare minister, P. Longon, on behalf of ENLU had expressed shock and grief over the sudden demise of KV Pusa, a veteran Naga politician. In a condolence message, the ENLU said the demise of KV Pusa was a great loss to the Naga society and a big vacuum created which would be difficult to fill. ENLU described late Pusa as a true Naga patriot and a seasoned politician who had worked for the aspiration of the Naga people during his life time. ENLU also conveyed heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family members and that the departed soul rest in peace.
State BJP: State BJP in a condolence message by its general secretary (media) and spokesperson, Jaamgsillung Gonmei stated that state president Visasolie Lhoungu has mourned the loss of a great leader of the state and particularly of the southern Angami region which would be a void difficult to be fill. State BJP pray that the departed soul rests in peace and also conveyed that Almighty God comfort his family during their time of grief.
DCC Tuensang: DCC Tuensang in a condolence message by president N. Mosha stated that during its first meeting of the New Year held on January 2, the DCC Tuensang observed one minute silent prayer in respect of the departed leader and extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family. DCC Tuensang stated that it would always remember late K. V. Pusa as a strong leader who had led the Congress party during very difficult time and that his soul rest in peace.
DCC Phek: DCC Phek in a condolence message by president PDCC Mikha Kenye and general secretary i/c media Rilo Therie described late Pusa as an unwavering dynamic leader who sincerely worked to uplift the party despite many challenges. PDCC has offered his near and dear ones prayers and well wishes during this dark time in their life. It further stated that though late Pusa was gone from sight, he would never be forgotten and prayed that God give him eternal rest and the family the strength to bear the great pain.
TSUD: Tenyimi Students Union Dimapur (TSUD) general secretary, A. Shyerhunlo Lorin in a condolence message described late Pusa as one of the most sincere leader not only in politics, but in every field in the society. It stated that losing a great leader like him has created a big vacuum for the Tenyimi people and Nagas in general. TSUD further expressed its heartfelt condolence to the bereaved family members.
Nagaland Congress: Nagaland congress in a condolence message had described late Pusa as a visionary leader whose death has created a vacuum which would be difficult to fill in. Nagaland congress further conveyed condolence to the bereaved family and prayed for the departed soul to rest in peace.
RJD: RJP party Nagaland has deeply mourned the demise of late KV Pusa former NPCC president. Party further conveyed condolence to the bereaved family and prayed for the departed soul to rest in peace.