Former minister Nokzenketba dies

DIPR Dimapur, January 5 Former Minister, Nokzenketba, passed away in Jorhat (Assam) on January 5 morning. He was 67. According to family sources, the former minister, who underwent cardiac treatment at NEIGRIHMS in Shillong left Mokokchung early this morning accompanied by his wife and others for check up. On the way he was forced to be admitted in a private clinic at Jorhat due to rapid deterioration in his breathing. He was immediately shifted to ICU where the end came at around 9 AM. He left behind his wife and three daughters. Born on September 19, 1948, in Chungtia village, Nokzenketba was first elected from 28 Koridang Assembly Constituency to Nagaland Legislative Assembly as an Independent candidate in 1982. He then joined Congress party resulting in formation of Congress ministry where he was inducted as Minister of State. In 1987, he was elected from the same constituency on Congress party ticket and appointed as Deputy Chairman of State Planning Board. In 1989, he was again elected from the same constituency and appointed as Minister for Agriculture under the government headed by late Vamuzo as chief minister. Funeral service would be held in his residence at New Market tomorrow. Zeliang, Rio condole Chief minister T R Zeliang while expressing his grief on the demise of Nokzenketba this morning said that the latter will be remembered by his ministerial colleagues and all those who came across him as a straightforward, honest and dedicated leader of the masses. According to Zeliang, Nokzenketba was a fearless person who never swerved away from his convictions, and it was equally difficult to convince him once he had made up his mind or had given his commitment. The chief minister also said that Nokzenketba was a true man of his word and stood steadfast not only in his political convictions, but also in his determination to serve the people of his Constituency Koridang in particular and the Naga society in general. It is no wonder that he was given various important responsibilities in several ministries headed by different Chief Ministers in the State, T R Zeliang stated. In his passing away, the Naga people have lost a leader who was unique, colorful and a person possessing a pleasant personality, the chief minister added. Lok Sabha MP Neiphiu Rio has expressed pain on learning the demise f Late Nokzenketba who was a former Member of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly and also a former minister in the government of Nagaland. According to Neiphiu Rio, Late Nokzenketba dedicated his life to the service of the people and was always committed towards the welfare of the weaker sections and the downtrodden. Rio further said in his condolence message that as a public leader, Nokzenketba worked tirelessly for the general public and made significant sacrifices towards his endeavor of serving the people. In his demise, our society has lost a seasoned leader and a senior citizen whose guidance and advice during this crucial period will be greatly missed. The vacuum created by his demise will be difficult to fill, Rio added. “I extend my deepest condolences to the members of the bereaved family and pray to Almighty God to let the departed soul rest in peace.”