Dimapur, February 13 (MExN): Leaders and organizations alike have mourned the demise of A Imtilemba Sangtam, Ex-MLA and former Minister who breathed his last at Referral Hospital, Dimapur on February 13.
NLA Speaker:
Speaker, Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA) Sharingain Longkumer in a condolence message said, “A Imtilemba was a hard-working and a devoted man who worked sincerely for the welfare and upliftment of his Constituency and for the people of Nagaland. His death has caused a great loss to the Nagas in general and the Sangtam Community in particular and the void created by him will be difficult to fill,” stated Longkumer in a condolence message. He on his own behalf and on behalf of the members of the 13th NLA has conveyed condolences to his wife, children and the families. He prayed that the “Almighty God” grant them solace and comfort and for the departed soul to rest in peace.
Deputy CM:
Deputy Chief Minister Y Patton has mourned the demise of the late leader. “A distinguished leader and an outstanding public figure, Imtilemba Sangtam worked for the well being of the people of his constituency and the state for long years,” a condolence message from Media Cell, Deputy CMO stated. The faith and reliance that people had on him is a testimony of his unwavering character and sincerity, he said, while adding “he will continue to live in the midst of us through his good deeds, and his service to the people will never be forgotten.” Patton prayed for strength for the bereaved family to face the loss.
NDPP President:
NDPP President Chingwang Konyak stated that Sangtam played a pioneering role in cementing social and cultural relations among the Eastern Naga Tribes since his college years. He also played a crucial part in the formation of the present-day Eastern Naga Public Organisation. “Soft-spoken and quiet, he had a commanding presence and was loved and respected by young and old alike. His concern for the Eastern Naga people led him to foray into electoral politics, and I must say he was quite successful politically,” the condolence message from Konyak added. The rank and file of the NDPP joined the President and his family in mourning his demise and conveyed condolences to the bereft families.
NPCC President:
“Imtilemba was a strong and reliable leader who worked tirelessly for the upliftment of his people. Resigning from comfortable post, he gave himself for the service of the people whom he put first,” a condolence message form NPCC President K Therie stated. All rank and file of the Congress Party offered condolences to the bereaved families and prayed that “the Almighty God comfort you all through this time of painful parting.”
Leader of Opposition:
Leader of Opposition and former Chief Minister TR Zeliang said that he had the pleasure to closely work with him. “I remember him as a humble man who understood the pain of his people and the Naga people at large. His persona was marked by patience and maturity while dealing with any crucial issue at hand,” a condolence message from Zeliang added. Terming his demise as a great loss to the Naga people, Zeliang prayed that God grant peace and solace to the bereaved family members.
MLA, 52-Longkhim-Chare A/C:
Muthingnyuba Sangtam, MLA, 52-Longkhim-Chare A/C said the late leader “steadfastly stood for the upliftment and empowewrment for the Sangtams and the Eastern Naga people as a whole.” Muthingnyuba, on behalf of the people of 52-Longkhim-Chare A/C conveyed condolences to his wife and families and prayed that God grant strength to endure the difficult time. It also prayed for the departed soul to rest in peace.
NSCN (IM) (ENNWU):
The Eastern Naga National Workers Union (ENNWU), NSCN (IM) stated that Imtilemba’s death was a great loss to ENPO (Eastern Nagaland People’s Organization) in particular and to the Nagas in general. Moba Chang Convener, ENNWU Member, Collective Leadership, NSCN (IM) in a condolence message stated that the vacuum created by his demise will be difficult to fill. “His selfless service for the Naga people shall be remembered in the history of the Nagas.” The ENNWU conveyed condolences and extended sympathies with the bereaved family members and also prayed for the departed soul to rest in eternal peace.
Ex-PAN:
The Ex-Parliamentarian’s Association of Nagaland (Ex-PAN) in a condolence message described Imtilemba as “a sincere and dedicated leader. He was a good friend, a loving husband and father and an efficient and humble leader,” a condolence message from Ex-PAN President, Joshua Sumi stated. His death is not only a loss to his family members and constituency but a loss to all the Nagas, the message added. The Ex-PAN prayed that God grant solace and comfort to the bereaved family members and for the departed soul to rest in peace.
USLP:
While mourning his demise, United Sangtam Likhüm Pümji (USLP) said that Sangtam was an articulate leader who made a lasting contribution to the community and the Nagas in general. “Above all, he was a seasoned leader who contributed immensely to building the society for a just cause,” a condolence from USLP, President T Seopi Sangtam stated. It added that “his legacy will stand as an example to all of us to persist in our pursuit of progress.” USLP prayed that God grant peace and solace to the bereaved family and for the departed soul to rest in eternal peace.
