
File photo of the first Councellors of Nagaland (from left) - Hokishe Sema, K Akum Imlong, Lhouthipru Vasa, MKithan, Pshilu Ao, RC Chiten Jamir, JB Jasokie and NL Odyuo. (DIPR Photo)
Dimapur, March 21 (MExN): The state government and civil society of the state mourns the demise of former chief minister of Nagaland RC Chiten Jamir, who passed away yesterday.
Governor of Nagaland Nikhil Kumar mourns the demise of former chief minister of Nagaland RC Chiten Jamir, who demised yesterday. In a condolence message, the Governor stated – “We shall remember him for his contribution to the formation of the State of Nagaland and then as a prominent legislator, a minister and a political figure. In his demise, people of Nagaland have lost a tall leader whose loss is irreparable. I convey my heartfelt condolence to his family members and pray to the Almighty to grant them strength to bear this tragedy. May his soul rest
in peace.”
Chief Minister of Nagaland Neiphiu Rio
Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio said that late RC Chiten was a highly respected Naga leader who played a pioneering role in the history of the formation of the state of Nagaland. “His contributions, as one of the leaders in laying the foundation of the newly formed State of Nagaland and shaping its future destiny have indeed been immense and will be long remembered.”
He said Chiten was known for his sense of equanimity and fair-mindedness in his day-to-day dealings. He could carry out people along with ease, Rio said. Well-read and highly esteemed for his rationale and ‘sound thinking’, it was in his numerous writings on Naga politics and religion that reflected his matured thoughts, Rio said.
“He worked all his life to serve the cause of the Nagas and his padding away is a great loss not only to his family but to the people of the state and the vacuum created will truly be difficult to fill in.”
On behalf of the Government of Nagaland, Rio conveys heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and prays for eternal peace of the departed soul.
Lok Sabha MP CM Chang
Lok Sabha MP CM Chang said Chiten was a very active man even after his retirement from politics. “His writings in the local media have been a guiding influence in the present day political scenario of Nagaland. In his death the state has lost a personality whose absence will be felt and the void created by his absence will be difficult to fill,” the MP said in a condolence message.
The MP and his family pray to the Almighty for the eternal rest of the departed soul and to give strength to the family members to overcome the grief.
Former Chief Minister of Nagaland Dr SC Jamir
In his message, former Chief Minister of Nagaland Dr SC Jamir stated – “As the years rolled by after completing their pilgrimage to this planet all the pioneers of the state of Nagaland had left and dissolved themselves in eternity. After the demise of RC Chiten Jamir, who was also member of the negotiating body of the Naga Peoples' Convention, for the statehood of Nagaland in 1960, I am the sole member of the signatory to the 16th Point Agreement of 1960. Since late RC Chiten Jamir was one of the comrades-in-politics during the most perilous periods, I want to let the people of Nagaland know the exceptional qualities of our dear esteemed leader RC Chiten Jamir.”
He said to be keenly watching Chiten from close quarter for several decades as members of the same political organization starting from Naga People's Convention, NNO and Congress. During these periods, many destabilizing forces were working for this new phenomenon of defections, but RC Chiten Jamir remained a solid rock upholding the political principal for which he had committed. Until his death, he remained a loyal and dedicated Congressman.
Jamir in his note also said that from school days till his last breath, Chiten remained a true Christian. “As a seasoned politician, he had all the attributes of a leader. He was a strict disciplinarian, intelligent, hardworking, accommodative spirit, compassionate, brave and courageous. Once decision is taken, he had never wavered. He was a good writer and a good speaker both in politics and in religious sermons.
There was a time in Nagaland politics, when rum and whisky were used as part of both political and bureaucratic culture; he was one who had never touched alcohol and even beverages. Such was a man who could resist all the worldly pleasures and temptations.” He further stated that as a minister, he was one of the most efficient administrators conversant with all rules and procedures. He excelled many others in file keeping. He was a patriot and a nationalist to the core, Jamir said. “In his passing away, Nagaland has lost a devoted and dedicated great leader. In this hour of sorrow, my wife and I join with all the relatives and friends in mourning for the departed soul. We sincerely and honestly believe that he died in Christ,” Jamir said.
MLA I Imkong
MLA I Imkong said he was still a high school student when he first heard of Chiten. ‘He was a man of great vision and full of practical ideas. He always maintained a record of the minutest event in the state and he was an “encyclopedia of Naga politics”’ Imkong said.
Only after statehood, he came to know Chiten as one of the Executive Councilors who eventually became a minister in the first state government under late P. Shilu Ao, Imkong said. Over the years when he became a student leader in Delhi, Imkong said, they came in contact personally. Imkong was impressed by the way Chiten talked about his department as Minister for School Education, the MLA said.
“Having joined State politics myself, I have always admired him and had no hesitation to discuss on all issues of the people in the State. Later, he became my source of information and knowledge of state politics. I will greatly miss him,” Imkong said.
That the people of Nagaland have lost a great leader, a pioneer, a reformer and a steadfast, down-to-earth political leader, Imkong said, the vacuum would not be filled for many years to come.
To the bereaved family, Imkong stated – “In this hour of bereavement, my wife joins me in expressing our deepest condolences but to me, your father was a friend, advisor and guide. We mourn jointly with you. It is indeed a sad day for all of us. May God Almighty give you the strength and solace to overcome this loss. May his good soul rest in eternal peace.”
Langpangkong Senso Telongjem Kohima
The Langpangkong Senso Telongjem Kohima (LSTK) mourns the demise of RC Chiten Jamir.
In a condolence note, the LSTK stat – “R C Chiten Jamir was the backbone behind the starting of Langpangkong Senso Telongjem, Kohima, way back in 2nd May, 1971, by sponsoring the first Meeting cum Moatsu celebration of the range people at his official Residence. R C Chiten Jamir was an able and sincere leader. His death has left a vast vacuum, which cannot be replaced easily. We share our profound sorrow and grief with the bereaved family members at this painful moments. We pray that, the Almighty God will give strength and comfort to the loved ones and keep the departed soul a peaceful journey.”
Student Christian Movement of India
The Student Christian Movement of India (SCMI) has expressed grief over the demise of RC Chiten Jamir.
In a note, the SCMI stated that RC Chiten was an active student leader; he was the General Secretary of SCM, Allahabad University unit and an Executive Member of World University Service during his college days in Allahabad. Endowed with the gift of leadership, he was deeply involved in bringing peace in the war torn Naga Hills during his time and became one of the pioneers in the creation of Nagaland state. His concern for the Naga people led him to take up active politics and he went on to become the Deputy Chief Minister of Nagaland under the leadership of Hokishe Sema in 1987. His love for peace let him to be actively involved in the peace negotiations at different times. His passing away is a great loss not only to the Naga people but for the region and the nation as a whole.
“Our prayers go with the bereaved family and the State, for we will deeply regret his absence when the movement celebrates its centenary in 2012. At his funeral tomorrow the 22nd March 2011, in Dimapur, our regional programme secretary Ms. Aitis Yepthomi, shall represent SCMI to express our condolences,” it stated.
Naga Council Dimapur
The Naga Council of Dimapur also mourns Chiten – “His sincere and noble sacrifices to the people in the initial years of statehood have borne fruit towards well being of Nagas today. We convey our profound condolences to the bereaved family and pray that God Almighty will grant peace and solace to the family. May his soul rest in eternal peace,” the council stated in a condolence note received here.
Dimapur District Ao Pensioners’ Union
The Dimapur District Ao Pensioners’ Union – “He was one of the tallest politicians with the quality of statesmanship, a respectable senior citizen, a man of great integrity and the eminent scholar with deep commitment to secular values. The most charismatic product of Ao community is fractured. His demise is a great loss, not only to the Ao people but also to the people of Nagaland in general. …we pray to God to give solace to the bereaved family and also eternal peace of the departed soul,” stated the union in a condolence message.
Governor of Nagaland Nikhil Kumar mourns the demise of former chief minister of Nagaland RC Chiten Jamir, who demised yesterday. In a condolence message, the Governor stated – “We shall remember him for his contribution to the formation of the State of Nagaland and then as a prominent legislator, a minister and a political figure. In his demise, people of Nagaland have lost a tall leader whose loss is irreparable. I convey my heartfelt condolence to his family members and pray to the Almighty to grant them strength to bear this tragedy. May his soul rest
in peace.”
Chief Minister of Nagaland Neiphiu Rio
Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio said that late RC Chiten was a highly respected Naga leader who played a pioneering role in the history of the formation of the state of Nagaland. “His contributions, as one of the leaders in laying the foundation of the newly formed State of Nagaland and shaping its future destiny have indeed been immense and will be long remembered.”
He said Chiten was known for his sense of equanimity and fair-mindedness in his day-to-day dealings. He could carry out people along with ease, Rio said. Well-read and highly esteemed for his rationale and ‘sound thinking’, it was in his numerous writings on Naga politics and religion that reflected his matured thoughts, Rio said.
“He worked all his life to serve the cause of the Nagas and his padding away is a great loss not only to his family but to the people of the state and the vacuum created will truly be difficult to fill in.”
On behalf of the Government of Nagaland, Rio conveys heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and prays for eternal peace of the departed soul.
Lok Sabha MP CM Chang
Lok Sabha MP CM Chang said Chiten was a very active man even after his retirement from politics. “His writings in the local media have been a guiding influence in the present day political scenario of Nagaland. In his death the state has lost a personality whose absence will be felt and the void created by his absence will be difficult to fill,” the MP said in a condolence message.
The MP and his family pray to the Almighty for the eternal rest of the departed soul and to give strength to the family members to overcome the grief.
Former Chief Minister of Nagaland Dr SC Jamir
In his message, former Chief Minister of Nagaland Dr SC Jamir stated – “As the years rolled by after completing their pilgrimage to this planet all the pioneers of the state of Nagaland had left and dissolved themselves in eternity. After the demise of RC Chiten Jamir, who was also member of the negotiating body of the Naga Peoples' Convention, for the statehood of Nagaland in 1960, I am the sole member of the signatory to the 16th Point Agreement of 1960. Since late RC Chiten Jamir was one of the comrades-in-politics during the most perilous periods, I want to let the people of Nagaland know the exceptional qualities of our dear esteemed leader RC Chiten Jamir.”
He said to be keenly watching Chiten from close quarter for several decades as members of the same political organization starting from Naga People's Convention, NNO and Congress. During these periods, many destabilizing forces were working for this new phenomenon of defections, but RC Chiten Jamir remained a solid rock upholding the political principal for which he had committed. Until his death, he remained a loyal and dedicated Congressman.
Jamir in his note also said that from school days till his last breath, Chiten remained a true Christian. “As a seasoned politician, he had all the attributes of a leader. He was a strict disciplinarian, intelligent, hardworking, accommodative spirit, compassionate, brave and courageous. Once decision is taken, he had never wavered. He was a good writer and a good speaker both in politics and in religious sermons.
There was a time in Nagaland politics, when rum and whisky were used as part of both political and bureaucratic culture; he was one who had never touched alcohol and even beverages. Such was a man who could resist all the worldly pleasures and temptations.” He further stated that as a minister, he was one of the most efficient administrators conversant with all rules and procedures. He excelled many others in file keeping. He was a patriot and a nationalist to the core, Jamir said. “In his passing away, Nagaland has lost a devoted and dedicated great leader. In this hour of sorrow, my wife and I join with all the relatives and friends in mourning for the departed soul. We sincerely and honestly believe that he died in Christ,” Jamir said.
MLA I Imkong
MLA I Imkong said he was still a high school student when he first heard of Chiten. ‘He was a man of great vision and full of practical ideas. He always maintained a record of the minutest event in the state and he was an “encyclopedia of Naga politics”’ Imkong said.
Only after statehood, he came to know Chiten as one of the Executive Councilors who eventually became a minister in the first state government under late P. Shilu Ao, Imkong said. Over the years when he became a student leader in Delhi, Imkong said, they came in contact personally. Imkong was impressed by the way Chiten talked about his department as Minister for School Education, the MLA said.
“Having joined State politics myself, I have always admired him and had no hesitation to discuss on all issues of the people in the State. Later, he became my source of information and knowledge of state politics. I will greatly miss him,” Imkong said.
That the people of Nagaland have lost a great leader, a pioneer, a reformer and a steadfast, down-to-earth political leader, Imkong said, the vacuum would not be filled for many years to come.
To the bereaved family, Imkong stated – “In this hour of bereavement, my wife joins me in expressing our deepest condolences but to me, your father was a friend, advisor and guide. We mourn jointly with you. It is indeed a sad day for all of us. May God Almighty give you the strength and solace to overcome this loss. May his good soul rest in eternal peace.”
Langpangkong Senso Telongjem Kohima
The Langpangkong Senso Telongjem Kohima (LSTK) mourns the demise of RC Chiten Jamir.
In a condolence note, the LSTK stat – “R C Chiten Jamir was the backbone behind the starting of Langpangkong Senso Telongjem, Kohima, way back in 2nd May, 1971, by sponsoring the first Meeting cum Moatsu celebration of the range people at his official Residence. R C Chiten Jamir was an able and sincere leader. His death has left a vast vacuum, which cannot be replaced easily. We share our profound sorrow and grief with the bereaved family members at this painful moments. We pray that, the Almighty God will give strength and comfort to the loved ones and keep the departed soul a peaceful journey.”
Student Christian Movement of India
The Student Christian Movement of India (SCMI) has expressed grief over the demise of RC Chiten Jamir.
In a note, the SCMI stated that RC Chiten was an active student leader; he was the General Secretary of SCM, Allahabad University unit and an Executive Member of World University Service during his college days in Allahabad. Endowed with the gift of leadership, he was deeply involved in bringing peace in the war torn Naga Hills during his time and became one of the pioneers in the creation of Nagaland state. His concern for the Naga people led him to take up active politics and he went on to become the Deputy Chief Minister of Nagaland under the leadership of Hokishe Sema in 1987. His love for peace let him to be actively involved in the peace negotiations at different times. His passing away is a great loss not only to the Naga people but for the region and the nation as a whole.
“Our prayers go with the bereaved family and the State, for we will deeply regret his absence when the movement celebrates its centenary in 2012. At his funeral tomorrow the 22nd March 2011, in Dimapur, our regional programme secretary Ms. Aitis Yepthomi, shall represent SCMI to express our condolences,” it stated.
Naga Council Dimapur
The Naga Council of Dimapur also mourns Chiten – “His sincere and noble sacrifices to the people in the initial years of statehood have borne fruit towards well being of Nagas today. We convey our profound condolences to the bereaved family and pray that God Almighty will grant peace and solace to the family. May his soul rest in eternal peace,” the council stated in a condolence note received here.
Dimapur District Ao Pensioners’ Union
The Dimapur District Ao Pensioners’ Union – “He was one of the tallest politicians with the quality of statesmanship, a respectable senior citizen, a man of great integrity and the eminent scholar with deep commitment to secular values. The most charismatic product of Ao community is fractured. His demise is a great loss, not only to the Ao people but also to the people of Nagaland in general. …we pray to God to give solace to the bereaved family and also eternal peace of the departed soul,” stated the union in a condolence message.