P Talitemjen Ao. (File Photo)
Kohima, July 29 (MExN): Following the demise of former Chief Secretary of Nagaland and the State’s first Chief Information Commissioner, P Talitemjen Ao, IAS (Retd) on Thursday morning at Oking Hospital, Kohima, several individuals and organisations have expressed grief and mourned his passing away. They also conveyed condolences to the bereaved family and prayed to almighty to give them strength in this hour of grief and grant eternal peace to the departed soul.
NLA Speaker: While expressing sadness over the demise of P Talitemjen Ao, the Speaker of Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA), Sharingain Longkumer said, “he was indeed a man of vision, hardworking and an upright officer who contributed immensely to the state and its administration throughout his service career. He was a devout Christian who rendered his selfless service from Kohima Ao Baptist Arogo.”
In his death, he pronounced that “the state of Nagaland has lost an outstanding officer and in particular to the Ao community. Today, as we mourn the passing of a great son who has left behind a powerful legacy of honesty and diligence, his contributions to the state would be remembered for the times to come.”
IAS Association Nagaland: The IAS Association of Nagaland in its message recollected P Talitemjen as ‘a gentleman and an officer par excellence, a man of impeccable integrity, he embodied all throughout his life the finest values and qualities that one yearns to aspire for and wishes to see in any person.’
In his illustrious career as an IAS officer spread over 33 years, he held several key positions, wherein he made significant contributions in furthering the welfare of the people and the State. He held the posts of Deputy Commissioner Zunheboto, Home Commissioner, Commissioner Nagaland for about nine long years during very trying times, before rising to the post of Chief Secretary Nagaland in 2004.
The association stated that he epitomized what an Administrative Officer should be, and remained the pillar of strength giving the right and measured guidance and support to the political decision makers as well junior officers.
“His administrative acumen; commitment; calm, collected and clear thought process even in the most trying circumstances; and deep conviction enabled many decisions to be taken which were crucial in enabling the State to deal with many intricate matters, maintain a peaceful atmosphere and help move steadfastly ahead on the path of development,” they stated.
After his retirement, he was the first State Chief Information Commissioner where he contributed significantly in establishing the Institution.
“Always humble in his thoughts and dealings, it was a memorable experience for anyone meeting him and coming to know of him. All officers who had worked with him will continue to cherish the memories with him forever. In his passing way, the entire service fraternity has lost a friend, philosopher and guide,” the association added.
CANSSEA: The Confederation of All Nagaland State Services Employees Association (CANSSEA) expressing deep grief stated that P Talitemjen Ao was a sincere, dedicated, soft-spoken, and efficient administrator, and his demise has created a void that will be difficult to fill.
CANSSEA expressed its deepest condolences to the bereaved family and prayed that God would give them strength and comfort in this sad hour.
Azo: Kuzholuzo (Azo) Nienu, Leader of NPF Legislature Party and Co-Chairman of UDA in his message said, “The demise of one of our tall leader was a great loss for the people of Nagaland as he was considered not only as a great administrator who holds the highest position in the State Government as Chief Secretary where our State has gained success in many fields under his administration. Late Talitemjen was also an upright, humble dedicated and a great statesmen.”
He had served in various capacities in the state Government until his retirement as Chief Secretary, his dedication for the welfare of the Naga people will always be remembered and cherished.
Words are inadequate to express the sorrow and grief we are going through at this moment and I pray to the Almighty God to grant solace and comfort to the family members at this time of immense pain.
NDPP President: The NDPP President Chingwang Konyak shared that he had the privilege of having been closely associated with Talitemjen since their days in St Edmunds College, Shillong in the mid sixties and vividly remember him being awarded the all India National Cadet Corps (NCC) Best Cadet while in college.
After joining the Indian Administrative Service, he held various important positions in the government, eventually retiring as the Chief Secretary of Nagaland with an impeccable service record.
“I found him to be one of the finest officers to have served the State and I hope that his sincerity and dedication in serving will be emulated by all in the service of the people,” Konyak added.
