Kejong Chang, former member of Nagaland Legislative Assembly.
Morung Express News
Dimapur | February 20
Former Member of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly, Kejong Chang has passed away at Zion Hospital, Dimapur on February 20. A five-time Member of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly, Kejong Chang, represented the Tuensang Sadar-II Assembly Constituency in the 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th and 13th House.
Throughout his political career, Kejong Chang was associated with the Naga People's Front (NPF) and later with the Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP). He was treasurer of NDPP Tuensang Sadar-II till date. His roles have included serving as a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) and holding the position of Cabinet Minister for Horticulture. In addition to his political endeavours, Kejong Chang is recognised for his dedication to social engagement and agriculture. He was also one of India's oldest serving MLAs till 2022.
On the passing away of the veteran politician, several condolence messages have poured in led by the State’s Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio.
“I found him to be a simple man, yet a visionary leader who had long standing affinity with the people, especially those from the grassroots. Throughout his career, he tirelessly worked hard to uplift people belonging to the marginalized category of our society. He was also known for treating everyone equally with kindness and compassion,” the CM attested in his message.
In his demise, the Chang community in particular and the Nagas, in general, have lost a father figure and a guardian. “The emptiness created by his demise will be difficult to fill. It is my solemn prayer that his good legacy will continue and that he will be remembered for all the sacrifices, and the contributions he had made towards the State's welfare,” the CM stated.
“In this hour of grief, let us thank God for the person he was and cherish all good memories we have of him. I on behalf of the State Government convey deepest condolences to the bereaved family and pray to God Almighty to grant them strength, and comfort to bear this irreparable loss,” he added.
Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA), Speaker, Sharingain Longkumer said that a visionary public leader, Chang was a recipient of four Governor's Commendation Certificates for his outstanding contribution to social services. His lifelong dedication to the welfare of the people was evident in his many roles, from his early service as an interpreter under NEFA to his impactful tenure in the NLA. His decades-long commitment to political and social service has left an indelible mark on our state.
“In his death the state has lost a veteran leader and the void created will be difficult to fill. In this moment of profound loss, I, on my own behalf and on behalf of the Members of the 14th Nagaland Legislative Assembly extend our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and pray that Almighty God grant them the strength to withstand the loss,” the NLA Speaker added.
The Eastern Nagaland Legislators’ Union (ENLU) remembered Kejong Chang as a seasoned politician, a statesman and a man of integrity, compassionate and a committed leader who devoted his entire life to the welfare of the people.
His involvement in various fields and the continued success of his political career is the testament of the immense trust and respect he earned from the people. Kejong’s unwavering determination to the well-being of the state and particularly in the Eastern Region will always be remembered. “In this moment of grief, the Eastern Nagaland Legislators’ Union conveys our deepest condolences, shares our thoughts and prayers with the bereaved family members and his loved ones,” ENLU stated.
The Ex-Parliamentarians Association of Nagaland (Ex-PAN) in its press release sad that Kejong Chang had been a member of the Ex-PAN since 2018. “Though not physically active due to age, yet he continued to be an inspiration and a mentor to the Ex-PAN members and his passing is a great loss to the Ex-PAN family,” it stated. Despite his advanced age, Kejong was known to have discharged his responsibilities with grace and humility, always keeping the welfare of the people and the State as first and foremost. His passing is not just a loss for the people of Tuensang district and the Chang tribe, but the people of the State have indeed lost one of its tallest leader, Ex-PAN added.
“Having lived to be a Centenarian, Kejong Changs contribution to the State from its nascent years will always be remembered. In his passing, not just the people of Tuensang district and the Chang tribe, but Nagaland has lost one of her pioneering leaders whose contribution towards the establishment of the State are recorded in the annals of time and history,” the Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP) stated in a press note.
His association with the NDPP began in 2022 and though having not contested the general elections of 2023, he continued to serve the party in his capacity as the Treasurer of the 54thTuensang Sadar – II NDPP assembly constituency with passion and dedication despite his advanced age.
“The NDPP family joins me and my in conveying our heartfelt condolences to Rev Dr Chingmak and the members of the bereaved family. May almighty God give them strength and comfort during this time of mourning and grief,” it stated.
NPF Central HQ Kohima, Nagaland in a press note stated that Kejong Chang was a distinguished leader who dedicated his life to the service of the people of Nagaland, particularly the citizens of Tuensang district. Throughout his tenure as an MLA and Minister, he worked tirelessly for the welfare and development of the state. His wisdom, leadership, and unwavering commitment to public service will always be remembered.” The Naga People’s Front extends our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family, friends, and well-wishers during this difficult time. We stand in solidarity with them, sharing in their grief and loss,” it stated.
The Nagaland Gaonburas (village chief) Federation (NGBF) said that Kejong Chang’s leadership and commitment to the people of Tuensang Sadar II have left a lasting impact. He was also an elderly figure, who had gone through thick and thin of the Naga politics. “In his demise we have lost a veteran and fatherly figure leader whose absent shall be felt by all of us. We convey our heartfelt thoughts, Prayers and Condolences to the bereaved family and may his soul rest in peace,” Media Cell, NGBF stated.
