Governor Bhalla, CM Rio lead State in mourning and paying tributes
Morung Express News
Dimapur/Kohima | November 11
Nagaland Advisor for Information & Public Relations, and Soil & Water Conservation, Imkong L Imchen, passed away today at a private hospital in Guwahati. He was 75 and is survived by his wife, four sons, and two daughters.
Imchen was admitted to a hospital in Kohima late November 8, following health complications. However, he was later airlifted to Guwahati for further medical treatment.
A State Funeral has been scheduled at his official residence at MH/3, Old Mnister’s Hill Kohima from 9:30AM on November 12. Thereafter, late Imchen’s his mortal remains will be taken to his native Mangmetong village in Mokokchung district for the final rites.
A veteran politician and respected public figure, Imchen served the people of Nagaland in various capacities for over two decades. A former President of Ao Senden and Ao Students’ Conference, as well as General Secretary of the Naga Students’ Federation, he was known for his leadership and commitment to public service from his student days.
He was first elected to the Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA) in 2003 as an Independent candidate representing the 28 Koridang Assembly Constituency in Mokokchung.
Imchen went on to win the seat for five consecutive terms, demonstrating his enduring durability and influence despite changing party affiliations.
He contested and won as a Naga People’s Front (NPF) candidate in 2008, 2013, and 2018, and retained the seat again in 2023 on a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) ticket.
In June this year, Imchen celebrated his 75th birthday and 25 years of public service as an elected legislator.
Over the years, he held several important portfolios, including Home, Health & Family Welfare, Education, and Environment, among others.
Imchen was serving as Advisor for Information & Public Relations and Soil & Water Conservation in the People’s Democratic Alliance (PDA) Government at the time of his demise.
Tributes pour in for the departed leader
Meanwhile, Nagaland Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla, Chief Minister Dr Neiphiu Rio led the State in mourning the demise of Imchen.
In his condolence message, the Governor noted that Late Imchen had served society in various capacities as a student leader, public leader, Cabinet Minister, and Advisor to the Government of Nagaland and in his death, the State had lost a dedicated and sincere leader.
“On behalf of the people of Nagaland and on my own behalf, I convey my deepest condolences to the bereaved family,” the Governor said, praying that “the Almighty God give grace and fortitude to bear this profound loss and grant them solace at this hour of pain.”
Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio also expressed deep pain over the demise of Imchen, recalling their long association and close working relationship built over decades of collaboration and mutual respect.
“He was not only a colleague but also a dear friend. I knew him as a warm, cheerful, and outspoken person who was never afraid to express his opinions and always stood up for what he believed in,” Rio said, describing late Imchen as a visionary leader with a rare ability to connect with people from all walks of life.
“In his passing, the Ao community and the Naga people have lost a stalwart leader, and the void he leaves behind will be difficult to fill,” he added.
On behalf of the State Government, the Chief Minister conveyed his deepest condolences to Alila Imkong, the wife of late Imchen, and the bereaved family, praying that Almighty God grant them strength and comfort in this time of sorrow.
Deputy Chief Minister Yanthungo Patton also paid tribute, recalling Imchen as “one of Nagaland’s most respected and seasoned leaders.” Patton said his passing marked the loss of a guiding presence within the BJP family, adding that Imchen’s sense of duty, humility, and perseverance would remain a lasting example for future leaders.
The 14th Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA), in its condolence message, described Imchen as “a towering political figure” whose life reflected unwavering commitment to public service and the upliftment of the weaker sections of society. It noted that from his early days as a student leader to his distinguished tenure across multiple ministries, Imchen exemplified integrity, wisdom, and dedication to the people of Nagaland.
On behalf of the Speaker and Members of the 14th NLA, the Assembly extended condolences to his wife Alila, their children, and the bereaved family, praying for peace to his soul and strength to his loved ones during this period of grief.
The Naga People’s Front (NPF) also expressed profound sorrow at the loss of the former party leader, describing him as a veteran legislator whose career spanned over two decades and five consecutive terms since his first election in 2003. The party acknowledged his contributions to governance, transparency, and rural development, calling his legacy an enduring source of inspiration.
In its message, issued by the Press Bureau, Central Headquarters, Kohima, the NPF conveyed deepest condolences to the bereaved family and prayed for strength and comfort in their time of sorrow.
