President of the Naga National Council (NNC), Adinno Phizo, passed away peacefully after a brief illness at 8 p.m. on 8 October in Kohima.
In an official notification, the Federal Government of Nagaland (FGN) and NNC said the Naga people mourned the passing of their national leader and paid tribute to her for carrying the responsibilities entrusted to her in service of the Naga national struggle with dignity, integrity and strength.
The notification said she remained committed to the political institution and aspirations of the Naga people until her last breath. It conveyed condolences to her bereaved family and said the NNC and FGN were attending to the necessary arrangements following her death.
Further information regarding the mourning period and funeral arrangements will be announced later, the notification said.
The NNC and FGN also called upon the Naga people to observe the period of national mourning with peace, dignity, restraint and unity.
Adinno Phizo, the eldest daughter of Naga national leader AZ Phizo, had succeeded him as president of the NNC following his death in 1990.
Condolences followed from political and civil society organisations.
The Naga People’s Front (NPF) described her as a towering figure and a strong custodian of Naga political history. It said that as A.Z. Phizo’s daughter, she had dedicated her life to the Naga cause with unwavering commitment and principle, and described her as a motherly figure and nationalist leader whose contributions and sacrifices would be remembered.
“At this hour of profound grief, the rank and file of the NPF party conveys its heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family members, relatives, and all members of NNC,” the party said.
The Central Nagaland Tribes Council (CNTC) described her as a pillar of conviction, resilience and dedicated public service. It said her lifelong service and leadership of the NNC through pivotal moments embodied the spirit, strength and endurance of the Naga people.
The CNTC said her passing marked the end of a historic era and left an irreplaceable void in the sociopolitical fabric of Nagaland, while paying tribute to her decades of sacrifice, commitment and contribution.
“During this moment of immense grief, the CNTC extends its deepest sympathies to the bereaved family members, relatives, loved ones, and the entire Naga nation,” the CNTC stated.
MT