Mokokchung, February 15 (MExN): Thousands of people from all walks of life paid respect to Late JN Aier during his funeral service held at his residence in Mokokchung’s Yajang ‘C’ village on February 13. Aier passed away at the age of 99 on February 12.
The funeral service saw many people fondly narrating the intellect and integrity of the departed soul, according to a press report from Aso Imsong. They also narrated immense contributions of Late JN Aier in the socio-economic and religious fields, not only in the Japukong range but also whole of Nagaland.
Rich tributes were paid by representatives from Yajang ‘C’ Baptist Church, where Aier served as Pastor cum Church Secretary during 1987-91. The Church remembered the contributions and services of Aier towards the development of the church.
Representatives from Japukong Citizens’ Union (JSS) and Japukong Students’ Union (JKM) also recollected the contributions of Late JN Aier, who was instrumental in the formation of the two unions back in 1930’s and 1940’s respectively.
Representatives from the International Evangelical Fellowship (IEF) and Ao Baptist Church Council (ABAM) also paid rich tribute to the departed soul and also remembered his contributions towards the development of the church in the Japukong range and also in different Ao areas.
Besides the relatives, representatives from Alongtaki Village Council, Lirmen village Council, Yajang Kiyong Pezu Yimten and Yajang ‘C’ Village council also spoke at the funeral service.
Retired Director of Soil & Water Conservation, Government of Nagaland, Imkongmar, who spoke on behalf of the Imsongunger Mungdang, paid rich tribute to Aier, who was the second president of the Mungdang in 1945. The retired director pointed out the immense trouble Aier took during the formative years of the Imsongunger Mungdang. He said the contributions of Aier and his contemporaries have enabled the Mungdang to reach its present stage today.
A former student of Late JN Aier, Chubatemjen Ao, former Minister, also paid tribute to his late teacher and said that it was because of his dedication towards the development of education that many young students could realize their dreams. Another former student, and former State Minister Tiameren Aier, praised his late teacher for his enthusiasm towards education and his deep concern for his students.
Condolence messages from Nagaland Chief Minister, TR Zeliang and Advisor to CM, Merentoshi R Jamir were read out by Dr Longri. ADC Mangkolemba, Imtiwapang Aier also read out the condolence message from the Governor of Odisha, Dr SC Jamir and Clark Memorial Hr Sec School, Impur.
Meanwhile, Parliamentary Secretary for Agriculture, Dr Benjongliba Aier (son), speaking on behalf of the family, expressed gratitude to all who stood by the family in their darkest hour.
Late JN Aier is survived by his wife, eight children (five sons and three daughters), and dozens of grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Condolences offered
Tiameren, former minister, Er. Limayanger, ex-MLA, and Er Saku Aier, former Parliamentary Secretary of 30th Alongtaki A/C have expressed surprise at the demise of JN Aier on February 12 at his native village Yajang 'C'. “The vacuum left due to sudden demise of late. J.N Aier will be difficult to fill in this present world,” said the three in a condolence note.
They described Aier as the pioneer educationist of Japukong under Mokokchung district. Aier was a sensible teacher who taught thousands of students and put them in good status, he was a social worker in every field, a selfless person who worked for social well being, it was noted. He was also a leader of farmers who taught other farmers about the latest modern farming techniques, the note said.
“He had a vision of educating his people freely. He also turned down higher status job from government,” it added. “Late Aier had lot of desire in his life, including human resources, which were all accomplished.”
The three former MLAs further conveyed condolences to Parliamentary Secretary Dr. Benjongliba and his family.
