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Nagaland Mourns: Veteran Leader Imkong L. Imchen Given State Funeral

Veteran Naga leader Imkong L. Imchen was given a state funeral in Kohima following his passing at age 75. Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio and Assembly Speaker Sharingain Longkumer were among the dignitaries who paid their respects. Union Home Minister Amit Shah expressed condolences, praising Imchen's decades of dedicated public service. The five-time MLA had a distinguished political career spanning over four decades, serving in multiple ministerial positions.

Key Points: Veteran Naga Leader Imkong L Imchen State Funeral in Kohima

  • State funeral held in Kohima with CM Rio and Assembly Speaker present
  • Mortal remains transported to native Mangmetong village for final rites
  • Union Home Minister Amit Shah praised his decades of public service
  • Served as MLA five times and held multiple key ministerial portfolios
2 min read

Veteran Naga leader Imkong L. Imchen accorded state funeral in Kohima

Veteran Naga politician and five-time MLA Imkong L. Imchen accorded state funeral in Kohima. CM Neiphiu Rio, Amit Shah pay tributes to the dedicated public servant.

"He was a dedicated leader who devoted his life to public service and the welfare of the people - Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio"

Kohima, Nov 12

Veteran Naga politician and five-time MLA Imkong L. Imchen, who passed away at a private hospital in Guwahati on Tuesday after a brief illness, was accorded a state funeral in Kohima on Wednesday.

A senior official said that after the state funeral, the mortal remains of the 75-year-old leader were transported by road from Kohima to his native Mangmetong village in Mokokchung district via Wokha, where the final funeral rites will be performed on Thursday.

Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, Assembly Speaker Sharingain Longkumer, several MLAs, Chief Secretary Sentiyanger Imchen, and the departed leader’s wife, Alila Imkong, were present at the state funeral.

In a post on his X handle, the Chief Minister wrote: "Paid my last respects to late Mr. Imkong L. Imchen, Advisor to the Govt. of Nagaland, at the State Funeral. He was a dedicated leader who devoted his life to public service and the welfare of the people. His contributions will always be remembered. May his soul rest in peace."

Union Home Minister Amit Shah also condoled the veteran leader’s death. Taking to his official X account, Shah said: “Saddened by the passing of Nagaland BJP MLA Imkong L. Imchen Ji. Through decades of dedicated service for public welfare, he has left behind a legacy that will be fondly remembered by people. My thoughts are with his bereaved family and followers at this hour of pain".

Born on June 15, 1950, Imchen had a long and distinguished public career spanning over four decades, marked by his commitment to the people of Nagaland. Beginning his political journey in 1980, he held several key ministerial portfolios, including Rural Development, Power, Education, Home, Health and Family Welfare, and Environment, among others.

A respected and humble leader, Imchen was known for his administrative acumen and contributions to governance and development in the state. He was elected to the Nagaland Assembly from the Koridang constituency five times -- first as an Independent in 2003, then on Naga People’s Front tickets in 2008, 2013, and 2018, before winning on a BJP ticket in 2023.

Union Health and Family Welfare Minister and BJP national President Jagat Prakash Nadda, Acting Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla, Chief Minister Rio, and many other leaders had condoled his demise on Tuesday.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
It's heartening to see leaders from across party lines paying respects. This shows how much he was respected beyond political affiliations. A fitting state funeral for a dedicated public servant.
P
Priya S
Five-time MLA and served in so many important ministries! That's real public service. We need more leaders like him who work across departments for people's welfare.
M
Michael C
While I respect his long service, I wish more leaders from Northeast India got national recognition during their lifetime, not just after passing. The region deserves more attention from mainstream media and national politics.
A
Ananya R
The journey from his native village to state funeral in Kohima shows his remarkable life. His service across multiple parties shows he was truly people-first. Om Shanti 🕊️
V
Vikram M
Serving for over 40 years in public life is no small achievement. His work in education and health ministries would have touched so many lives in Nagaland. A legacy that will inspire many.

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