Nagaland bids farewell to veteran leader Imkong Imchen, remembered for courage, intellect, and lifelong dedication to public service.
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KOHIMA — Nagaland on Wednesday bid farewell to veteran politician and sitting Advisor for Information and Public Relations, and Soil and Water Conservation, Imkong L Imchen, who was accorded a state funeral at his official residence at Old Ministers’ Hill in Kohima.
The 75-year-old leader, who passed away on November 11 at a hospital in Guwahati, was remembered by political colleagues, government officials, and well-wishers for his outspoken nature, sharp intellect, and lifelong dedication to public service.
Imchen, a five-time legislator from 28-Koridang Assembly Constituency, had been admitted to the Naga Hospital Authority Kohima on November 8 after suffering a heart attack and complications related to kidney and sugar. He was later airlifted to Guwahati, where he breathed his last.
Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, speaking on behalf of the state government and the Naga People’s Front (NPF), described the late advisor as “a man of upright character who was never afraid to speak his mind and express his feelings.”
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Reflecting on their long years of political association, Rio said that Imchen’s honesty, intellect, and courage made him one of his most trusted Cabinet colleagues. “He was a dedicated person with a clear mind, trustworthy and intellectual,” the chief minister said, recalling how the two had stood together through political crises and worked closely across party lines.
“He devoted his full life to the service of the people, even in his youth as a student leader,” Rio said, adding that Imchen’s contributions would be remembered with gratitude for his steadfastness and sense of duty.
The chief minister also shared a personal memory of visiting Imchen in hospital shortly before his passing, recalling how the latter managed a smile despite being in distress—a gesture that gave hope of recovery.
“His good deeds and legacy should be remembered with gratitude to God for a life well lived,” Rio said, offering condolences to the bereaved family.
Nagaland Legislative Assembly Speaker Sharingain Longkumer, who also delivered a tribute, described Imchen as “a man of few words and strong vocabulary, with mature reasoning.”
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He recalled knowing Imchen since his youth through his father, noting that the departed leader’s life was marked by unwavering commitment to public service, community leadership, and the uplift of the weaker sections.
Longkumer said that Imchen embodied Ao values and stood as “a towering political figure” whose work in various capacities reflected both discipline and compassion. “His life and career remain an inspiring legacy for years to come,” the Speaker said while conveying condolences to Imchen’s wife and family members.
Chief Secretary Sentiyanger Imchen paid homage to the late advisor as “a man born to lead and a true public servant.” He also recounted Imchen’s leadership journey—from student activism in the Ao Students’ Conference and Naga Students’ Federation to his long legislative career beginning in 2003.
“In his passing, the state has lost a tall leader and a man of principle whose life embodied the spirit of service,” he said, recalling an early encounter in Mokokchung when Imchen’s courage and guidance left a lasting impression.
Speeches were also delivered by Sarita Yadav, Secretary (on behalf of Soil and Water Conservation); Dzüvinuo Theünuo, Director of Information and Public Relations (IPR); Minister Temjen Imna Along (on behalf of BJP Nagaland); Mteisuding Heraang, President of the Naga Students’ Federation (NSF); T Chubayanger, President of Kohima Ao Telongjem (KAT); and representatives of Mangmetong Senso Telongjem Kohima. Many speakers recalled Imchen’s forthright and outspoken nature and his years of public service.
On behalf of the family, Imchen’s wife, Alila Jamir; son, Ajongba Imchen; and brother-in-law, Leonard Aier, expressed their gratitude to all who had shared in their grief and recalled his affection and concern for his family even amid his busy political life.
The programme was led by Orenthung Lotha, Commissioner and Secretary, IPR and Cooperation, while Rev. Sentisashi Aier, Senior Pastor of Kohima Ao Baptist Arogo, led the prayers and shared the Word of God.
A Guard of Honour was accorded by the Nagaland Armed Police before the cortege departed for Mokokchung, where the final rites will be held on November 13.