An emotional send-off service for late Imtikumzuk Longkumer, Advisor Sericulture and Excise, who passed away September 22, 2018 in New Delhi after a brief illness, was held in Kohima and Wokha on Monday.
A state funeral service will be held at Ungma village on Tuesday (September 25) at 10 a.m. State chief minister Neiphiu Rio, cabinet members and other state dignitaries are expected to attend the funeral.
The send-off service in Kohima was held at the official residence of late Imtikumzuk at New Minister’s Hill. Speaking at the service, Imkongzenla, the wife of late Imtikumzuk, described her husband as a man with good qualities who was humble and sincere in his work and a person who loved serving the people. She also described him as a loving and a good father to his children.
Ao Telongjem Kohima vice president, Chubalepzuk, described late Imtikumzuk as a dedicated, down to earth leader who was dear to many. Minister for higher education, Temjen Imna Along, recollected the immense strength of the family and how they stood for during their time of grief.
Minister expressed his deepest condolences to the bereaved family, on behalf of the party members, the legislators and his family members. NDPP working president, Alemtemshi Jamir, said late MLA was committed and dedicated to his work and his qualities had helped him to get elected by his people for two terms. Representing NPF legislators, Imkong L. Imchen, paid his condolences and said that the departed leader was simple and hardworking man who was befitting to be a servant for the public.
Minister for Agriculture and Cooperation, G Kaito Aye also shared a message on behalf of the Government of Nagaland and said this untimely demise has created a void that will be hard to fill.
Ungma Senso Telongjem Kohima (USTK) president, in his condolence message, said the late MLA was also the vice president and the president of USTK and had made great contributions to the Telongjem.
The service was chaired by the state chaplin, Rev. Kuzierang Thou. The service was attended by host of legislators, officials, various organisations and NGOs who paid their last respect and tribute to late Imtikumzuk Longkumer. Governor PB Acharya also paid his respect to the departed leader by laying a wreath.
WOKHA: A short public send-off service was held for late Imtikumzuk Longkumer at Police Point, Wokha town Monday afternoon. Thousands of people gathered at the main town to pay their last respect to the departed leader as the hearse carrying his mortal remains en route to Ungma village, Mokokchung briefly stopped at Wokha for the public send-off service jointly organized by Lotha Hoho and Wokha district administration.
As a gesture of respect to the departed leader, all shops around the main town remained closed hours before his mortal remains arrived. All traffic movement also remained closed for the duration of the service.
Condolence messages were delivered by Lotha Hoho chairman Mhao Humtsoe, NDPP Wokha region president Yanpansao Kikon, BJP Wokha Unit president Meribemo, and Wokha Town Ao Union president Matsung Longkumer.
On behalf of the government, urban development and municipal affairs minister Metsubo Jamir expressed gratitude to Wokha citizens and Lothas for the honour and respect shown to the departed leader. Wreaths were also laid by various organizations and groups.
The service was led by Wokha Town Baptist Church associate pastor Rev. Abemo Jungio and concluded with a mass prayer and benediction by Wokha town Ao Baptist Church pastor Ngangnen Longkumer.
Dignitaries who attended the public send-off service included ministers Temjen Imna Along Longkumer and Tongpang Ozukum, advisors Dr. Nicky Kire and Mhathung Yanthan, MLAs Imkong L. Imchen and Dr. Chumben Murry, DC Wokha and SP Wokha, and various Lotha frontal organizations. (Correspondent)
Meanwhile, thousands of mourners, villagers clad in traditional attire received the body of late Imtikumzuk Longkumer at Ungma village on Monday evening. Hundreds of students carrying candles and mourners accompanied the body of late Imtikumzuk from the village gate to his residence.