The Government of Nagaland accorded a grand State Funeral in honour of Lt. Toshi Wungtung, Advisor, IPR, SCERT & VG on 3rd July 2021 at his Mother’s House at Purana bazaar, Dimapur who passed away on 1st July 2021 at New Delhi and his mortal remains were flown to Dimapur on 2nd July.

At the funeral service, Speaker Nagaland Legislative Assembly, Sharingain Longkumer on behalf of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly, expressed grief and shock at the untimely demise of Lt. Toshi and offered condolences to the wife, mother, and family members of the departed soul. He highlighted on the colourful profile of Lt. Toshi, his past and present personal experiences where he served as the President of Naga students union Delhi, his active participation with the NSF, his association for ethnic/ native studies at the University of Texas USA, NEPED, UNICEF State co-ordinator for HIV/ AIDS. Besides many others Lt. Toshi served as the spokesman of ENPO, General Secretary ENPO, and as a member in bilateral talks between MHA GoI and ENPO, the Speaker said.

He also worked on issues with the GON, GOI, and Myanmar relating to international border pillars and survey, the speaker mentioned. Further Lt.Toshi was actively working on wildlife conservation particularly along the Saramati Mountain and cross border areas, Longkumer mentioned.

Minister, Planning and Parliamentary Affairs, Neiba Kronu, offered condolences on behalf of the Government of Nagaland and termed the demise of Lt. Toshi as irreplaceable. Leader of Opposition, T.R. Zeliang dubbed Lt. Toshi as a smart and a promising leader of the Nagas and noted that his participation both within and outside the country was remarkable. His immense contribution to the cause of the Nagas particularly Eastern Nagaland will be remembered, Zeliang added.

Convenor, PDA, and President, NDPP, Chingwang Konyak said that Lt. Toshi has worked tirelessly for the socio-economic and political development of Frontier Nagaland.

Delivering a short speech on behalf of Eastern Nagaland Legislators’ Union, (ENLU), Minister for H&FW, Pangnyu Phom, termed his demise as a colossal loss for the Nagas, particularly Eastern Nagaland, on the passing away of Toshi who was still serving as the secretary-general of ENLU. He was an asset who worked with a wide range of knowledge in all spheres, Pangnyu observed and said that his absence would be deeply felt.

The wife of the deceased, Lipokla described her late husband as her soulmate and a confidant man with the highest caliber and noted that she was honoured to be his wife. Married in 2006, the wife of Lt. Toshi said that she shared a lifetime of love with her husband and said she would cherish the memories forever.

She further dubbed him as a God fearing man who had high respect for the elders and always maintained good relations with family members and siblings. She thanked the Government of Nagaland for arranging a State funeral in honour of her late husband and to all present for comforting them during their time of grief and sorrow.

Others including I. Toshitsungba Aier, IPS (Retd), Dokiu Kecham (elder brother), and nephew Robin spoke on behalf of the family.

Many others including ENPO, Advisor ENPO, Yimchunger Union Dimapur delivered short speeches, where they described the departed soul as the tallest ENPO leader, armour of ENPO, refined gentleman endowed with knowledge, and a man of the international figure. We will miss him as a person and not because of being an MLA, ENPO mentioned. Yimchunger Students union Dimapur appealed to the State Government for taking into consideration the proposals submitted by Lt. Toshi especially his desire to have a district for the Yimchungers.

State Chaplain, Rev. T.W Yamyap shared the word of God and also offered the benediction.

Other highlights of the program included special numbers by the niece of the deceased, Shiren Quinker and the laying of wreaths by family members, departments, NGOs, civil societies, well-wishers and friends.

The program was chaired by Principal Secretary, Home, Abhijit Sinha.

Later, the mortal remains of Lt. Toshi were taken to Dimapur Airport and were airlifted by Nagaland Helicopter to his native village for final service and burial.