RANGLUA, 6 Oct: Thousands of mourners thronged Ranglua on Monday to bid the final farewell to Panwang Wangham, the paramount chief of All Rusa, who passed away at the age of 50 after a prolonged illness at the Apollo Hospital in Guwahati, Assam, on 4 October.
He is survived by his mother, two wives, one son and three daughters.
Wangham was the eldest son of late Nokram Wangham. His family occupies a significant place in the history of the region and was among the early royal families to welcome and engage with modern administration when it began taking shape in the area.
His passing has left a deep sense of loss among the people of Rusa and the wider Wancho community, where traditional institutions continue to hold an important place in social and community life.
Wangham, who was regarded as the traditional head of Rusa, comprising five recognised villages, including Rusa, Ranglua, Kamkuh, Tanglam and Hahshe, and as many unrecognised settlements, was laid to rest at his residential village of Ranglua amid the presence of family members, traditional leaders, public representatives and well-wishers from across the region.
Among those who attended the funeral were Agriculture Minister Gabriel D Wangsu, Longding-Pumao MLA Thangwang Wangham, the ADC, senior officers of Kanubari, representatives of various Wancho villages, and people from neighbouring Assam and Nagaland.
Minister Wangsu described late Panwang as a respected traditional leader, a true man of the people, and a pillar of strength for the community.
"His quiet dignity and guidance will be deeply missed by all who had the honour of knowing him. I will forever treasure the good times and fond memories shared with him," Wangsu wrote in a social media post.
As Rusa villages fell silent in mourning, villagers, relatives and well-wishers gathered to bid the final farewell to a chief whose life remained closely connected with his people, their traditions and the history of the region.
The solemn gathering reflected on the respect and affection Wangham commanded across communities and beyond the traditional boundaries of his chiefdom.
