Dimapur, July 28 (EMN): Former Chief Secretary of Nagaland, P Talitemjen Ao, passed away on Thursday morning at Oking Hospital in Kohima. He was 78.
Late P Talitemjen Ao is survived by his wife, two sons and one daughter.
Mourning his demise, Governor of Nagaland, Prof. Jagdish Mukhi, on Thursday stated that his passing away would be an irreparable loss to the people of the state. He added that the relentless and selfless services towards the people of Nagaland during his career would be remembered for many years to come.
“In this hour of bereavement, I on behalf of the people of Nagaland and on my own behalf convey our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family members and pray to the Lord, the grace to bear this loss and the strength to remain steadfast,” he conveyed.
Chief Minister of Nagaland Neiphiu Rio also expressed shock and sadness at the passing of the former chief secretary, and the first Chief Information Commissioner of Nagaland.
He described Ao as a God fearing, conscientious, upright and dedicated officer, whose hard work, honesty and integrity left an impact in all his assignments and postings.
“He was a true gentleman, who was always calm and collected even in the most difficult of situations, and was a role model to many within and outside the government.
“An officer with a high degree of professionalism, punctuality and sense of duty, it was a pleasure to work with Shri P Talitemjen Ao,” he said.
After his retirement, he became the state’s first Chief Information Commissioner, in which he served for a period of five years. He set up the office of the state's Information Commission from scratch.
“I, myself, have had a long and fruitful association with Shri P Talitemjen Ao spread over several decades. He was a man of principle and a noble soul. His death is a great loss for the people of Nagaland in general, and the Ao community in particular,” Rio added.
Rio further conveyed condolences to Ao’s wife and family members at their hour of grief.
Ao was born on February 26, 1944 at Akhoya village in Mokokchung district, and was the eldest son of Late I Pangersowa Jamir.
He completed his primary and middle school in 1957 from Chuchuyimlang Govt. ME School, Nagaland and later went to St. Anthony's High School, Shillong, Meghalaya, from 1958 to 1959. He then studied at Government High School, Mokokchung, 1960 – 1961 and passed his matriculation examination in 1962. Ao went on to study at St. Edmund's College, Shillong, (1962 – 1967) and graduated with a degree in Bachelor of Arts. He completed his Master of Arts in English from Gauhati University, Assam (1968 – 1970).
He cleared the Nagaland Public Service Commission civil service exam in 1972 and got into the Nagaland Civil Service as an extra assistant commissioner (EAC). He was posted as EAC, Mokokchung, from 1972 – 1973. He then cleared the Union Public Service Commission examination and joined the prestigious Indian Administrative Service in 1973 (Nagaland cadre).
He was posted as Assistant Commissioner, Tuensang, from June 1974 till December 1975 on probation and as the sub-divisional officer (Civil), Zunheboto, from January 1976 till July 1977.
Talitemjen Ao served as deputy secretary, Home department from July 1977 till June 1978 and later as joint secretary, independent charge of Industries and Commerce department, in July 1978 till December 1978. He was transferred as deputy commissioner, Zunheboto district, in January 1979 and served till July 1980.
Late Talitemjen Ao also served as Home Commissioner, Nagaland and Commissioner, Nagaland. He was the chief secretary of Nagaland from July 2004 till his retirement from service in February 2006. He was appointed as the first Chief Information Commissioner, Nagaland Information Commission, in March 2006 and served till February 2011.
He also served as editor of Ao Milen, from Shillong in 1964. As a social leader, he served in various capacities such as president of Naga Students' Union, Shillong, 1965 – 1966; president of Langpangkong Students' Conference (LKM), 1965-1967; president of Naga Students Union, Guwahati, 1968 -1969; president of Ao Students' Conference (AKM), 1969 – 1971; president, IAS Association, Nagaland till 2003 and President, Nagaland Rifle Association and Kohima Rifle Club till 2012.