Senior politician and Advisor, Imkong L Imchen. (File Photo)
Dimapur, November 11 (MExN): Senior political figure and Advisor for Information & Public Relations and Soil & Water Conservation to the Nagaland government, Imkong L Imchen passed away in Guwahati on November 11. He was 71.
The passing of Imkong L Imchen has prompted an outpouring of tributes from colleagues and government departments.
NLA: In a condolence message, Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA), Speaker Sharingain Longkumer said that Imkong L Imchen’s political career, which began with his election from the 28-Koridang Assembly Constituency in 2003, was marked by a long and distinguished tenure in the Nagaland Legislative Assembly. He served as a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) in the 10th, 11th, 12th, 13th, and 14th House.
Longkumer described Imchen as a towering leader known for his unwavering commitment to public service, Imchen held several key ministerial portfolios including Home, Health & Family Welfare, Education, and Environment. His legacy is defined by a life of service rooted in compassion and a vision for the upliftment of the people, particularly the weaker sections of society.
Beyond the state assembly, Imchen was a rooted organisational leader. He played a pivotal role in shaping the cultural and social fabric of the Ao community through his leadership in the Ao Students’ Conference, Ao Senden, and the Ongpangkong Range Council.
Imchen as a leader “exemplified integrity, wisdom and devotion to the people of Nagaland.” “His commitment to public service remains an inspiring legacy that will be remembered for years to come,” the Speaker said.
Longkumer extended heartfelt condolences to Imchen’s wife, Alila, his children, and other bereaved family members. “As we mourn his loss, we also celebrate a life well-lived. May his soul rest in eternal peace,” the Speaker added.
DIPR: The Department of Information & Public Relations in Nagaland has expressed deep sorrow over the demise of its advisor, Imkong L Imchen. A veteran statesman and one of the senior-most members among the state’s legislators, Imchen was described as a “leader of stature” whose long years of public service were marked by commitment and wisdom. In his role as Advisor for the DIPR and Soil & Water Conservation, he took a “deep and personal interest” in the functioning of the IPR department, an official release stated. His vision for institutional discipline, professionalism, and the use of modern communication tools guided many of the department’s ongoing reforms and initiatives, it added. The department noted that his “frequent visits, active participation in reviews, and guidance to officers and staff reflected his genuine concern for the department’s growth and efficiency.” “His sudden and untimely demise has deprived us of the guidance and encouragement needed to carve a way forward, in spite of challenging circumstances,” the release said.
Y Patton: Deputy Chief Minister Y Patton stated that Imchen’s demise marks the loss of “one of Nagaland’s most respected and experienced leaders and a guiding presence within the BJP Nagaland family.” Patton highlighted Imchen’s lifelong devotion to public service, which earned him the “trust and respect of colleagues and citizens alike.” He recalled the late leader’s belief in the promise of Nagaland and the values of “integrity, humility, and perseverance” he upheld throughout his decades in public life.
G Kaito: Minister for PWD, Roads and Bridges, G Kaito Aye, described Imchen as a “senior statesman and a towering leader.” He noted that on a personal level, he had lost a “brother and a dear colleague” who was always ready with “wise counsel, guidance and encouragement.” In his capacity as Convenor of the Central Nagaland Legislators’ Forum (CNLF), Aye also mourned the loss of his Co-Convenor, whose “steadfast dedication and leadership greatly strengthened our collective efforts.”
Moatoshi Longkumer: Moatoshi Longkumer, Advisor for Excise, Labour & Employment, remembered Imchen as a “man of rare wisdom, courage and integrity.” He painted a picture of a multifaceted leader: a “guide and mentor” to colleagues, a leader who “listened, understood and acted” for his constituents, and a source of “wisdom, laughter, and camaraderie” for his friends. Longkumer affirmed that Imchen’s contributions would be “remembered for generations to come.”
H Tovihoto Ayemi: H Tovihoto Ayemi, MLA & Advisor for Tribal Affairs & Election, said the late leader was both a “towering figure” in state politics and a “personal inspiration.” Ayemi credited Imchen’s “wisdom, warmth, and guidance” as a cherished part of their close association and stated his passing is an “irreparable loss” to all who believed in honest public service.
KG Kenye: KG Kenye, Minister for Power & Parliamentary Affairs, summed up the collective sentiment, stating the state has lost a “tall leader who devoted his life to the service of the people with total devotion.” While acknowledging the deep void left behind, Kenye expressed comfort in the “legacy of service and leadership he leaves behind.”
Paiwang Konyak: Paiwang Konyak, Minister for Health & Family Welfare, described Imchen as “more than a politician,” but a “statesman of rare character, known for his humor, openness and fearless voice in speaking truth for the people.”
H Sethrongkyu: H Sethrongkyu, Advisor for IT&C, Economics & Statistics, noted Imchen was a “visible champion for the preservation and promotion of Nagaland’s heritage.” He stated that under Imchen’s guidance, the DIPR undertook archival and cultural initiatives, reflecting his dedication to preserving the state’s history.
JD(U) Nagaland: JD(U) Nagaland hailed Imchen as a “remarkable leader” whose “outspoken, bold, and straightforward approach to governance inspired many.” In a statement, the party emphasized his “unwavering commitment to the people of Nagaland” and his role as a “guiding light for those who sought justice and progress.” They expressed hope that his “legacy of courage and integrity” would continue to inspire future generations.
NPF: The Naga People’s Front (NPF) provided a detailed overview of his political journey, noting it was “tragic that one of the senior parliamentarians, who were still doing his best to serve the people, has left for his heavenly abode.” The party chronicled his election to the Nagaland Legislative Assembly from the 28 Koridang Assembly Constituency in 2003, which began an “illustrious political career that spanned over two decades and five consecutive terms.” The NPF highlighted that his “contribution to strengthening governance, promoting transparency, and advancing rural development remains deeply appreciated.”
NPCC: The Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC) expressed deep sadness at the demise of the sitting Advisor for the Departments of Information & Public Relations and Soil & Water Conservation. Remembering his long-standing affiliation with the party, the NPCC stated that the “veteran public leader” had served as Vice President of the NPCC and President of the District Congress Committee, Mokokchung. The committee affirmed that his “contributions to the Congress party will always be remembered and cherished.”
NPP (Nagaland): The National People’s Party (NPP), Nagaland, described Imchen as a “seasoned and respected leader who dedicated his life in service to the people.” The party noted that his “decades of political experience, wisdom, and unwavering commitment to public welfare have left an indelible mark on the State’s political and social landscape.”
Ao Senden: The Ao Senden expressed deep shock at his demise, noting he was a leader “who rose from the grassroot.” The organization highlighted his service as its Vice President (1993-94) and President (1994-96), describing him as a “dynamic, down to earth and a dedicated leader.” His passing was termed a “great loss for the Nagas in general and the Ao Naga Community in particular.”
AKM: The Ao Students’ Conference (AKM) remembered his foundational role in the student movement, recalling his tenure as AKM President (1982-84) and General Secretary of the Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) (1983-85). The AKM noted his “selfless support and guidance towards the student community” and remembered him as a “blunt and fearless leader” and an “ardent supporter” of the organization, whose death is an “irreparable loss.”
DNSU: Dimapur Naga Students’ Union (DNSU) stated that from his “early years as a student leader to his distinguished role in public service, he stood as a beacon of unity, courage, and conviction for the Naga youth.” The union specifically lauded his term as NSF General Secretary, which was “marked by visionary leadership and tireless efforts to strengthen the student movement.”
Ex-PAN: The Ex-Parliamentarians Association of Nagaland (Ex-PAN) provided a perspective on his long legislative career, noting the state had lost “one of the senior most members of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly.” Ex-PAN highlighted that, from the 1980s as a student leader until his final breath, Imchen was known as a “blunt and straightforward leader who always stood for what is right.” His representation of the 28 Koridang assembly constituency for five consecutive terms was acknowledged as a significant legacy.
DSC: Dimapur Sümi Council (DSC) expressed shock and sadness at the demise of the “seasoned politician known for his bold and outspoken stance on various issues.”
NCD: The Naga Council Dimapur recalled his “unwavering commitment to the welfare of the people” and his “special concern” for the council, often extending financial assistance for its functioning. He was remembered as an “approachable and sociable” man of “integrity and leadership,” whose philanthropic service would remain “indelible.”
MPC: Mokokchung Press Club (MPC) expressed profound grief, stating his decades of public service were “marked by exemplary leadership, integrity, and an abiding concern for the welfare of the people.” In a condolence message, the club acknowledged his contributions to governance and his “cordial association with the media fraternity,” describing his death as an “irreparable loss to the State and its people.”
KPC: Kohima Press Club (KPC) recalled a more personal connection, noting that Imchen was “not only a veteran politician and respected public leader but also a good friend.” The club fondly remembered its last interaction with him in August this year in his Secretariat chamber, highlighting his “great commitment towards addressing the issues and challenges faced by the media fraternity in the state.” They described his passing as the loss of “one of Nagaland’s visionary leaders and a bright soul.”
DPC: Dimapur Press Club (DPC) extended its heartfelt condolences, stating that Imchen “will be remembered for his years in public service and the impact he had on those he worked with.” The DPC noted that his “passing marks the loss of a significant figure in regional politics.”
LMFN: Chairman and members of the Linguistic Minority Forum of Nagaland (LMFN) expressed deep sorrow, describing Imchen as a “seasoned socio-political activist” who worked tirelessly to promote understanding and harmony. In a statement, they highlighted his integrity, selfless service, and his role as a “respected seasoned leader, gifted writer, courageous speaker, and towering figure” deeply admired by the people of Nagaland. They termed his sudden demise a “great and irreparable loss” and extended condolences to the bereaved family, praying for eternal peace for his soul.
Neiba Kronu: Former Minister Neiba Kronu recalled Imchen as a “veteran political leader and prominent figure in Nagaland’s political landscape.” He emphasized Imchen’s outspoken nature and immense contributions to societal upliftment, offering his deepest condolences to the family.
K Therie: K Therie, former President of the Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee, shared his long association with Imchen, spanning over two decades during their time in the Congress party. Therie praised Imchen’s exceptional contributions to the state and his courage in undertaking new ventures. He described Imchen’s passing as a “great loss to Naga society,” noting that the late leader had much more to contribute to the state’s growth.
Dr Roland Lotha: Dr Roland Lotha, a social worker and politician, recalled a recent meeting with Imchen at a Kohima hotel, where the former minister exhibited kindness and generosity by paying for his meal. Dr. Lotha shared Imchen’s encouraging words: “Wait for the opportunity that will come your way in God’s time.” He remembered Imchen as a “bold, dedicated leader with a good heart” and extended his condolences to the family and supporters.
