Rano Shaiza passes away
Source: The Sangai Express / Newmai News Network
Dimapur, April 01 2015 :
Rano M Shaiza, former MP (Lok Sabha) of Nagaland passed away in Kohima today.
She was 86 .
Rano M Shaiza was born and brought up in a political family, and had her early baptism in Naga nationalist movement.
She became the first and only woman president of United Democratic Front (UDF) party in 1971, which was followed by her election as the first woman MP from the lone Nagaland Constituency in the year 1977, in the aftermath of the Emergency, declared by Indira Gandhi in 1975 .
This was a great achievement, given the fact that even after 38 years of her election as MP, and after 50 years of Nagaland Statehood, Nagaland has so far not been able to produce any other woman MP or MLA till date.
Rano M Shaiza raised many important Naga issues in Parliament, thereby proving before the world that Naga women are second to none.
She also engaged herself in many social activities for the advancement of the people.
She was born on November 11, 1928 and died at the age of 86.She was the first president of the Naga Women Federation of the Naga National Council (NNC), and was a member of the first Naga goodwill mission to Assam in 1953 .
Meanwhile, Nagaland Governor P B Acharya said it was very sad to hear about the passing away of Rano M Shaiza, former MP of Lok Sabha.
She was a proud leader of Nagaland and the lone woman member who represented the State in the Parliament, said the Governor.
"She will always be remembered for her contribution to the welfare of the people of Nagaland.
In her demise, we have lost a tall and prominent leader," the Governor added.
Nagaland Chief Minister TR Zeliang said in her death, Nagaland has lost its pioneer woman politician and a social and political activist.
The void created by her death would be difficult to fill.
"On my own behalf, and on behalf of my family and the people of Nagaland, I convey my heartfelt condolence to the children, grandchildren and relatives of Rano M Shaiza.
May God grant them the strength and courage to bear this tragedy.
May her soul rest in peace," said TR Zeliang in his condolence message.
Nagaland Lok Sabha MP Neiphiu Rio and many others expressed sadness on the demise of Rano Shaiza.