Angh of Shangsa village Langto Konyak passes away at 85

DIMAPUR — Angh of Shangsa village in Mon Langto Konyak and father of P Paiwang Konyak, minister of Health and Family Welfare, passed away at the age of 85 on Thursday at Zion Hospital in Dimapur following a prolonged illness.

Born on April 20, 1940, to Lihwang Angh and Amnu Wangcha of Phuktong village, he assumed the throne of Shangsa village at the age of 20. Over the decades, he became a respected leader, known for his traditional authority and service to his community.

The Angh participated in the Naga political movement in 1964 and embraced Christianity in 1965, spreading the gospel in Wancho and Konyak areas. He married in 1969 and had three children as well as ten grandchildren.

He was involved in local education initiatives, serving as chairman of the School Managing Board in 1973 when the village school was under community management. Under his leadership, the village settlement was moved from Oleahoa to Longsho, its present location, which was dedicated on May 13, 1977.

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Angh Langto is remembered by his community as a leader committed to progress, education, and Christian faith. His funeral service will be held on Saturday, Sep. 27, at Shangsa village in Mon district.

Condolences pour in

Y Patton, deputy chief minister of Home and Border Affairs, along with his family, expressed deep sorrow and sadness over the demise of late Angh Langto and described him as a man whose life was marked by wisdom, humility and dedication to family and community.

In a statement, Patton conveyed condolences to Paiwang and his family and prayed they would find strength and courage in cherished memories and in the legacy Angh Langto left behind. He prayed for peace and comfort for the bereaved family and for the departed soul to rest in eternal peace.

CL John, minister of Forest, Environment and Climate Change, Village Guards, stated in his message that Angh Langto was among the first Anghs of Shangsa village to embrace Christianity, being baptised in 1965.

John said his passing has left a deep void, but his life of faith, service and humility would continue to inspire generations.

Minister of Power and Parliamentary Affairs, KG Kenye, said in a note that with his passing, Nagaland has lost a visionary leader and a fatherly figure. He noted that Langto’s immense contributions towards the Naga society would be cherished for generations, and while his passing has left a deep void, comfort could be found in the legacy of courage, service and leadership he left behind.

Kenye, on behalf of his family, conveyed condolences to the bereaved family and prayed that Almighty God would grant them solace and comfort.

Advisor for Tribal Affairs and Election, H Tovihoto Ayemi, expressed shock and sadness at the demise of Angh Langto and described him as a man of great humility and an upright leader who guided his people with integrity, strength and a unifying spirit.

Ayemi said he was deeply loved and revered for his kindness and leadership and that his passing had created a profound void not only for the Konyak community but for the Nagas as a whole.

Advisor for Information and Public Relations and Soil and Water Conservation, Imkong L Imchen, also conveyed his condolences. He said Angh Langto was a respected custodian of the rich traditions and heritage of the Wancho people.

Conveying his condolences to Paiwang Konyak and the bereaved family, he prayed that the Almighty grant them comfort and strength in their sorrow.

MLA C Kipili Sangtam expressed shock and sadness at the news of the sudden demise of Langto. He said Mon district has lost a renowned and highly regarded leader with a dynamic personality. On behalf of his family, he extended condolences to the bereaved family and prayed for the departed soul to rest in peace.

The National People’s Party (NPP) Nagaland expressed grief over the demise of Angh Langto and mentioned that his wisdom and guidance as a traditional custodian and Angh were said to have been a source of strength to his people, and his contributions to the community would always be remembered with respect.

The party noted that his demise was not only a personal loss to the family but also a great loss to the Konyak community and Naga society. On behalf of the NPP Nagaland, state president A Nyamnyei Konyak conveyed condolences to Paiwang and his family.