State funeral accorded to late Imkong L Imchen at his official residence in Old Minister’s Hill, Kohima on November 12. (Morung Photo)
Morung Express News
Kohima | November 12
Brave, outspoken, devoted, upright, genuine, and fearless — these were some of the words used to describe Imkong L Imchen, Advisor to Information & Public Relations and Soil & Water Conservation, who passed away on November 11 at Guwahati after a brief illness.
A day after his passing, a state funeral was accorded to the late leader on November 12 at his official residence at Old Minister’s Hill, Kohima. Several mourners gathered to pay their last respects and tributes to a towering figure who earned widespread admiration through his life and service.
“He was a son of the soil who carried the values of our ancestors with dignity and humility. To us, his children, he was a loving father- wise, disciplined, and full of love,” Ajong Imchen, his son shared during the funeral service on behalf of the family.
He added that his father believed politics was about responsibility, and that he “listened to the people with genuine understanding of their needs, working tirelessly with compassion and vision.”
Reflecting on his father’s values, he said, “He believed that Nagaland’s strength lies not only in its natural beauty but in the spirit of its people. Despite his position, he never lost touch with the community, especially the elders and family who looked to him for hope.”
He further described him as the foundation of their home, “He led not with authority but by quiet example. He taught us that leadership begins with service, and honour is earned through humility.”
Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, recalling his close and long association with the late leader, described him as an “upright man who was not afraid to speak his mind.” Rio said, “Even when in the Opposition, he worked effectively both inside and outside the Assembly, always speaking for the welfare of the people.”
“He was always smiling, full of life, outspoken, a good friend and companion. His good deeds and legacy should be remembered,” the Chief Minister added.
Rio recalled how he worked with Imkong for decades in the service of the people, and how his trust in him was built over the years of their association. Imkong was a close confidante of him because of which he was allocated key portfolios like Rural Development, Education, Home, Health & Family Welfare, etc. in the successive governments.
Despite political instability, Imkong was a survivor and ably handled the crisis in the State politics irrespective of ups and downs in the affairs of the government, Rio said.
Speaker of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly, Sharingain Longkumer, said he was honoured to have worked with Imchen as a colleague, having grown up watching him as a contemporary of his father. He said Imchen “dedicated his entire life to public service” and “exemplified community leadership rooted in Ao values and principles for the upliftment of the weaker sections.”
Chief Secretary Sentiyanger Imchen, IAS, described the late leader as “born to lead,” recalling that he displayed leadership qualities from an early age. “Outspoken and fearless, he worked to preserve our identity and culture. We have lost a tall leader and a man of principle,” he said.
Others who spoke at the funeral included representatives from the Department of Soil & Water Conservation, Department of Information & Public Relations, the BJP Nagaland, Naga Students’ Federation, Kohima Ao Telongjem, and Mangmetong Senso Telongjem, Kohima, along with his wife Alila Jamir and his brother-in-law.
The programme was chaired by Orenthung Lotha, Commissioner & Secretary, IPR & Cooperation. The Word of God and benediction were delivered by Rev. Sentisashi Aier, Senior Pastor of Kohima Ao Baptist Arogo.
The five-time MLA was also accorded a Guard of Honour as part of the state funeral ceremony.
