Kohima, September 12 (MExN): Former minister of Nagaland, N. Yeangphong Konyak passed away on September 12 at Oking Hospital, Kohima after prolonged illness. He was 69 and is survived by his wife and five children. Born on August 24, 1948, Yeangphong was educated at Government High School, Mon, informed a condolence message from Dr. Imtiwapang Aier, Speaker, NLA.
Prior to entering politics in 1982, he had served as school teacher from 1970-72; President, NNO, Tizit from 1974-78; Area Council Member from 1979-82; Executive Member, District Congress (I), Mon from 1978-80; and General Secretary, Contractors’ Union, Mon District from 1977-82.
The NLA Speaker said Yeangphong was a good sportsperson. He became a Member of Legislative Assembly in 1982 and appointed Minister of State for Physical Education, Sports and Youth Service, 1984-86. He was appointed as Cabinet Minister for PHED from November 4, 1986 to November 21, 1987; Cabinet Minister for Physical Education, Sports and Youth Welfare in 1987. He was again appointed Minister for Forest, Ecology, Environment & Wildlife Preservation from May 15, 1990 to April 1, 1992.
The message acknowledged that the death has caused a great loss to the Nagas in general and the Konyak community in particular.
Chief Minister: Chief Minister TR Zeliang expressed grief and pain over the demise of Yeangpong. “A prominent Naga Statesman, he was a man dedicated to the service of the Naga Society whose immense contribution as a fair, efficient and charismatic leader will ever be remembered,” the CM said in a message, adding his passing away is a great loss.
SC Jamir: Governor of Odisha, SC Jamir meanwhile stated the passing away of Yeangpong Konyak came as a deep shock to him and his wife. Late Yeangpong, he said, proved to be a man of conviction and strong resolve, and fully committed to the service of the people. He was one of the pioneers from the Konyak community and his death is indeed a great loss for the Konyak community in particular and the Nagas in general, he added in a message.
Shürhozelie: President of Naga People’s Front, Shürhozelie Liezietsu has mourned the demise of Yeangphong, saying he has lost a long time associate who always stood for the Naga people and their aspirations. “Yeangphong was always with the cause of the Naga people and he wanted Nagas to live in peace and harmony,” Shürhozelie said in a message. He remembered the deceased as someone to ride the river with him, “always reliable and someone one could rely upon in times of need.” In his death, Shürhozelie added, Nagas have lost a gem of a leader whose absence will be impossible to fill up.
ENPO: The Eastern Nagaland Peoples Organisation (ENPO) also mourned the sudden death of the former minister. Describing him as one of the prominent political leaders and a great human being, ENPO president, Khoiwang Konyak and general secretary, Manlang Phom said Yeangphong had dedicated his life working for the welfare of the people of Eastern Nagaland in particular and the Nagas in general. Late Yeangphong’s contributions and sacrifices during his leadership for the development and upliftment of the people of Eastern Nagaland will be remembered by all, they added in a message. His demise is a great loss to the people of Eastern Nagaland in general and Konyak community in particular, ENPO said.
Ex-Parliamentarian Association: Expressing sadness at the death of Yeangphong, the Ex-Parliamentarian Association of Nagaland in a message from its president, T. Khongo described the former minister as a dedicated leader who tirelessly worked for the upliftment of the people. His desire to serve the people with humility made him live a life of principled public leader, it added. “His passing away is an irreparable loss to the State in general and the Konyak in particular. The valuable contributions he rendered to the people as a politician, social worker and statesman for the cause of the people will always be cherished,” the Association stated.
Wangyuh Konyak: In a separate message, former Member of Parliament, W. Wangyuh Konyak said Yeangphong was one strong pillar and played an integral part in building the Konyak society. “A true gentleman, through his demise it has left a huge vacuum in political arena in particular and Nagas in general. Though he is no more physically with us, his deeds will be remembered in the days to come,” Wangyuh added.
The individuals and organizations conveyed condolences to the bereaved family and prayed that God will grant comfort and solace to them.
