CM, Dy CM & NLA Speaker condole
Kohima/Dimapur December 7 (MExN): Former Minister and four-time Member of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA), SK Sangtam, passed away on December 7 in Dimapur, after a prolonged illness.
Hailing from Angangba Village under Tuensang district, Sangtam represented the 52-Longkhim Chare Assembly Constituency in the 7th, 8th, 9th, and 11th NLA. He also served as the Minister in-charge of PWD, Economics & Statistics, and Legal Metrology in 1989 and as Cabinet Minister, in-charge of Health & Family Welfare in 1990.
Officially, he was in his mid-seventies, as per the affidavit filed with the Election Commission of Indian in 2008.
Meanwhile, in a condolence message, Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio expressed pain and shock at the news of the demise. Late Sangtam was an enthusiastic leader who had served the society in different capacities since his youth.
"We worked together from 1989 to 2002, and I found him to be a selfless person who always worked for the welfare of the people, especially those from the marginalized section," he noted.
"His demise has created a vacuum, which will be difficult to fill," Rio conveyed, further adding that it is indeed a great loss for the Naga society in general and Sangtam's community in particular.
"However, let us celebrate his life by remembering the noble contributions he had made to society," the Chief Minister added.
"On this day of sorrow, my wife and family join me in conveying our heartfelt condolences, and it is our prayer that God almighty would grant solace and courage to the bereaved family to bear this irreparable loss," he condoled in his message addressed to Adaline Sangtam, the wife of late Sangtam.
The Deputy Chief Minister and BJP Legislature Party leader Y Patton also noted that late Sangtam’s service and dedication to the people were exemplary and his legacy of commitment and integrity will continue to inspire Naga people.
Stating that his demise at this juncture is a great loss for the Nagas, Patton, on behalf of Nagaland BJP legislators, conveyed condolences to the bereaved family and prayed for the departed to rest in eternal peace.
Late Sangtam's dedication and contributions to his community and to the people of the State will be remembered with respect, and the legacy will continue to inspire us, NLA Speaker Saringain Longkumer stated.
On behalf of the 14th Nagaland Legislative Assembly and on my own behalf, I convey deepest sympathy and heartfelt condolences, he said.
"May our Almighty grant the fortitude to the loved ones and the bereaved family as you go through this difficult time. May the soul of our departed leader Rest in eternal Peace," he added.
