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Dimapur, Feb. 14 (EMN): Many public leaders and well-wishers paid their last respects to the former Nagaland legislator Imtilemba Sangtam, at a send-off service held at his residence in Model village, 5th Mile, Dimapur on February 14. The former minister passed away at around 7:40 am on Thursday at Christian Institute of Health Science and Research in Dimapur. He was 74.
Speaking at the send-off programme, Minister of Geology and Mining, Soil and Water Conservation V Kashiho said that he was there to pay condolence on behalf of Nagaland government and all the 60 legislators and sought forgiveness as other lawmakers couldn’t attend the service due to the ongoing NLA budget session in Kohima.
Kashiho, in his condolence speech, said that he was deeply saddened by Sangtam’s sudden demise and felt empty, he being the only senior former parliamentarian from Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) from his community. He added that Sangtam motivated him to join BJP in November 2017 and that he sought his guidance on party matters, political and social aspects, which he willingly offered.
Describing him as a “tall, upright, dedicated and committed leader”, the minister said that his death had created a vacuum in the Sangtam community in particular and the Nagas in general.
Sangtam’s wife said at the send-off service that they got married in 1975 and were together for 45 years. She added that they tried their best for his recovery ever since treatment start in April last year but “it was God’s decision”. She also thanked the gathering for showing their support during their time of grief.
Representatives from various organisations like the Chimonger Thsingmujang Dimapur, Model village 5th Mile Council, Eastern Nagaland Union Dimapur, Eastern Nagaland Gazetted Officers’ Association and United Sangtam Likhum Pumji spoke during the send-off service.
The mortal remains of the former minister will be taken to Chimonger village in Tuensang district for funeral.
https://www.easternmirrornagaland.com/former-minister-imtilemba-sangtam-no-more/)