Tuesday, March 4, 2008

Former Nagaland CM Vizol passes away

Former Nagaland chief minister and one of the stalwarts of regionalism, Vizol, died at his residence here on Monday at the age of 94.

Hundreds of people, including Governor K Sankaranarayaan, visited his Kohima residence to pay homage.

Known for his austerity and his personal efforts to bring Naga undergrounds, particularly the legendary A Z Phizo, to the negotiating table.

Joining the Naga political movement as a moderate in mid 1950s, Vizol became chief minister in 1974 riding on the growth of regionalism in Nagaland. After Emergency he once again became the chief minister during 1977-80.

Born in 1914 at Viswema village in Kohima district, Vizol after completing his school education from Kohima Mission High School graduated from St Edmonds College, Shillong.

He served the Royal Indian Air Force during 1941-46 and took part in the World War-II.

After the war he served as a teacher but joined overground Naga politics at the height of Naga militancy and became vice-president of Naga National Convention during 1957-60 which had signed the 16-point agreement with the Union government leading to foundation of Nagaland.

0 comments:

Post a Comment