E T Ezung, former Speaker of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly and former minister, died in Dimapur on October 1 after a brief illness. He was 75, according to family sources. His death prompted condolences from political leaders, the Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC), former legislators and organisations across the state.
Ezung was a veteran political figure from Wokha district who represented the 40-Bhandari Assembly constituency and held several important positions during a long career in public life. He was also closely associated with the Congress organisation and worked for the welfare of the Lotha community and the wider Naga society.
E T Ezung’s long political career
Born in Nagaland and educated at St Edmund’s College in Shillong, Ezung graduated in 1974 before entering electoral politics. He was first elected to the Nagaland Legislative Assembly from the 40-Bhandari constituency in the early 1980s. Multiple reports identify him as a three-time member of the state Assembly, while records and local accounts also document his later electoral contests from Bhandari.
During his political career, Ezung served as Deputy Speaker and later became Speaker of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly. He served as Speaker from February 26, 1985, to October 29, 1986, according to reports on his public career. He also served as a Cabinet minister and handled several portfolios, including Power and responsibilities linked to Housing and Home Guards.
His years in electoral politics placed him among the prominent Lotha leaders who served in Nagaland’s legislature and government. Beyond formal political office, he remained involved in community institutions, public forums and organisations connected with student and youth activities.
Congress and public service
Ezung maintained a long association with the Indian National Congress and the Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee. At the time of his death, he was serving on the NPCC Core Committee and Political Affairs Committee.
NPCC president and Lok Sabha MP S Supongmeren Jamir described Ezung as a veteran Congress leader and a “perfect gentleman”. Jamir said Ezung had served the party in different capacities and remained active during both difficult and favourable periods. The NPCC said his death was a loss to the party and Nagaland.
The Ex-Parliamentarians Association of Nagaland (Ex-PAN) also expressed grief. The organisation said Ezung had served as its Wokha district representative and executive member until his death, underlining his continued involvement in public affairs after holding elected office.
Leaders pay tribute to E T Ezung
Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio expressed condolences and described the death as a loss to the Lotha community and the Naga people. Rio recalled Ezung’s long contribution to public life and his association with the Joint Legislators’ Forum (JLF).
The JLF brought legislators from different political affiliations together in efforts connected with the search for a peaceful and honourable settlement to the Naga political issue. Rio said Ezung’s participation in such efforts formed part of his wider public service.
Deputy Chief Minister Yanthungo Patton also mourned the former Speaker’s death. Patton recalled Ezung’s service to Nagaland, particularly his work for the Lotha community and Naga society, and said his contribution would be remembered with respect.
Assembly Speaker Sharingain Longkumer described Ezung as a person who devoted a significant part of his life to public service. Longkumer also highlighted his association with community institutions, student and youth organisations and other public forums.
A veteran remembered across Nagaland
The tributes following Ezung’s death reflected his involvement in Nagaland’s political and social life over several decades. From representing Bhandari in the Assembly to serving as Speaker, Deputy Speaker and minister, he occupied several key positions in the state’s public institutions.
His association with the Congress also continued well beyond his time in government. Political colleagues remembered him as an experienced organiser who remained engaged with party affairs and public issues.
Ezung is survived by his wife and two daughters, according to family sources. Political leaders and organisations have conveyed condolences to his family, relatives and supporters following his death in Dimapur. His passing marks the loss of a veteran Nagaland politician whose public career spanned several decades of the state’s political history.
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