Kohima, March 22: Former Nagaland Chief Minister and leader of Nagaland People's Council (NPC) Vamuzo today passed away following a severe cardiac arrest at his residence here, family sources said.Vamuzo was 62. He is survived by wife, three sons and three daughters.Born at Yoru-Ba village in Nagaland's Phek district, Vamuzo had joined the Naga underground movement at a very young age in early '50s. He came overground in late 50s as one of the first Naga underground activists to do so.Vamuzo, well-kown for his oratorial acumen, then he did his matriculation and intermediate from Shillong and LLB from Mumbai.As the Nagaland state was formed in 1963, he along with Kevichusha, Vizol and others planted the seed of regional politics there.He was elected to the state assembly in 1969 on United Democratic Front (UDF) ticket and became a Minister in the Vizol ministry in mid '70s and Jashokie ministry in the early '80s.He became Chief Minister in 1990 and took an initiative to form a united forum of regional parties in the North-East for strengthening regional politics.Chief Minister S C Jamir, Home Minister Neiphu Rio, their cabinet colleagues, leaders of different political parties visited his residence to pay homage to the departed soul.The Nagaland Government today declared holiday as a mark of respect. His funeral services will be held tomorrow.Meanwhile, the Nagaland state cabinet expressed has deep shock and sorrow over the sudden and untimely demise of Vamuzo.The Cabinet, at a meeting here, recalled the sterling role that he played in public life of the state for over three decades and his immense contribution to the democratic processes in the state.In his demise, the Naga people have lost a true and compassionate leader, the cabinet observed.Vamuzo was a fine orator and had left an indelible mark in the assembly while participating as member, Minister, leader of the opposition and as Chief Minister, the cabinet felt, according to an official release.He was steadfast in his principles regarding the Naga problem and stood by his views at all times, the release said.His efforts, as the rural development minister, to develop the rural areas of Nagaland was further strengthened during his tenure as Chief Minister as he introduced a new economic programme, it said.
