Hundreds of mourners from all walks of life including Phom community, Ao and other Eastern Nagaland districts lead by the ENPO leaders today paid rich tributes to former Eastern Nagaland Peoples’ Organization (ENPO) president late Mongko Phom at local ground Longleng who expired on October 24, 2016 at Kohima after prolonged illness.
Born on July 15, 1953 to humble and poor family at Yachem village under Longleng district, late Mongko Phom had been a scholar, politician and liberator among the Phom people and other Eastern districts of the state. He was the second graduate among the Phoms’ who had struggled to accomplish the modern education in spite of untold hardship during those days when education system was totally prohibited in entire region due to Naga freedom movement which was at its peak. Despite the difficulties and uncertainty, late Mongko Phom never bowed down in seeking modern education considering the other tribes who were advancing in the field of education. Late Mongko Phom unsuccessfully contested 4 (Four) times in Nagaland Legislative Assembly under 50 A/C Longleng. During his life time late Mongko liberated ancient Phom to modern Phom taking number of initiatives in transforming the people of Phom such as up gradation of Longleng town to full-fledged district headquarters in 2004 when he was holding the post of president of highest apex organization of the district, Phom Peoples’ Council (PPC). Apart from his untiring service for his people, late Mongko Phom also served as the president of Eastern Nagaland Peoples’ Organization (ENPO) from 2008-2011, spearheading the statehood demand for Eastern Nagaland from the state and central government.
Speaking at the funeral service, the Eastern Nagaland Peoples’ Organization (ENPO) vice president, Chillio Khiamungan said Eastern people were saddened on the untimely demise of former president of ENPO when the people of Eastern Nagaland were in need of a tall, visionary and dedicated person like him. He said late Mongko Phom had been a person of vision who led the Eastern Nagaland people to a greater height when the organization was at its initial stage. He said it was during his tenure as a president of ENPO that Eastern Nagaland people had put up its demand for full statehood for Eastern people from the state and central government. He also said that the seed sown for the Eastern people by him would never go in vain and the legacy of him would remain in the history of Eastern people. He said his demise has brought great loss to the people of Phom in particular and Eastern Nagaland in general.
Association of Phom Graduate and Officers (APGO) president Angam Phom, who spoke on the funeral service said, the association was deeply shocked and mourn the untimely demise of its first treasurer late Mongko Phom who was a dynamic leader, social worker and guardian of the weaker section. He said late Mongko was man of patience and humbleness who touched the hearts of many and had lightened the burden of many Phom youngsters which would remain as a blessing forever.
MLA S. Pangnyu Phom the son in-law of late Mongko Phom said he was fortunate to be the son in-law of late Mongko, who had been a man that possessed loving character and always willing to do good deeds for the society and people which would always be cherished. He also said he was proud that he had left behind great history not only to the Phom people but to entire Eastern people. Pangnyu also expressed gratitude to chief minister, T.R.Zeliang, MP Neiphiu Rio, ministers, parlimentary secretaries and ENLU for supporting and extending all possible help during such unbearable moment.
Others who spoke at the funeral service included, deputy commissioner Longleng, former minister, Metpong Phom, president, PPC, president PSC, Phomla Hoichem, ENGAO, Imkong Phom, retired joint director, Oditemba, in-laws, well wishers from Ao and Konyak community and family members. After brief funeral service at Longleng his body was taken to his native village for final rest.
(Correspondent)
Meanwhile various organizations have condoled the demise of late Mongko Phom.
ENPO: Eastern Nagaland Peoples’ Organisation (ENPO) has stated that the members of the entire Eastern Nagaland family were bereaved and saddened by the demise of Y. Mangko Phom, the former president of the ENPO.
In a condolence message, ENPO president Khoiwang Konyak and general secretary Manlang Phom said late Mangko was an enduring and a dedicated leader, whose work would be particularly remembered when the memorandum of ENPO Statehood demand was submitted to the government of India during his presidentship. “We find no words to express our deep anguish and sorrow on his demise and shall always be remembered as a dear friend, companion and a fellow colleague President, who was also fondly called Papa Mangko,” they said.
Meanwhile, ENPO has conveyed deep condolences to the bereaved family members and prayed for the departed soul to rest in eternal peace with the Lord.
NPCC: Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC) has expressed grief at the passing of late Y. Mangko Phom, former president of ENPO.
In his condolence message, NPCC president K. Therie said late Mangko was a pioneering personality who dedicated his life to social service and contributed immensely to the uplift of not only the Phom community, but also the Eastern Nagas in general. “His passing away has caused an irreplaceable vacuum in us all,” Therie said.
Meanwhile, NPCC has also conveyed deep condolences to the bereaved family members and prayed that the Almighty God give them solace through this hour of grief.
RELATED POSTS
View all
