DIMAPUR — Former Nagaland Minister MC Konyak passed away at the age of 73 on Sunday after a brief illness. A send-off service was held in his honour at the Aoyimti ground in Dimapur in the evening.
His mortal remains will be taken to his native village of Wakching in Mon district for the funeral service. He is survived by his wife, three sons, one daughter, and nine grandchildren.
Born on February 1, 1951, Konyak graduated from Kohima Arts College and began his professional career as an LDA in the Social Welfare Department in 1972, later becoming Deputy Manager under Industries and Commerce from 1992 to 1997.
He entered Nagaland politics with the National Democratic Movement and went on to win the Wakching Assembly Constituency election as a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate in 2003.
He served as Parliamentary Secretary for Irrigation and Flood Control and later as Minister of Forest, Environment, Ecological and Wildlife from 2008 to 2013, after being re-elected in 2008 as a BJP candidate.
Konyak later contested the 2013 and 2018 state assembly elections, running on Naga People’s Front and Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP) tickets respectively, but was defeated in both elections.
His last electoral campaign was in 2018 as an NDPP candidate.
Beyond politics, the former minister served the Konyak Students' Union (KSU) in various positions, including Vice President in 1969 and General Secretary in 1971.
He was also a founding member of the Tuensang-Mon Public Organisation, Tuensang-Mon Gazetted Officers Association, and President of the Tuensang-Mon Public Union Kohima.
‘Nagas have lost a guardian’
Mourning his demise, Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio and other legislators issued condolence messages on Sunday.
In a message, Rio said that Konyak was not only a former colleague but also a close friend.
“Over the years when we worked together, I found him to be sincere, hard-working, and selfless, and a pacifist. He always encouraged brotherhood and unity,” the CM said, adding that Konyak tirelessly worked for the welfare of the people, especially those from the marginalised sections.
The chief minister went on to state that in Konyak’s demise, the eastern Nagaland people as well as the Nagas in general have lost another guardian, and that it will be difficult to fill the emptiness left behind by him.
“He will be remembered and cherished for all the sacrifices he had made for the welfare of our society and his contributions to the state. Let us celebrate his life and give thanks to God for the person he was,” the condolence message read.
Deputy Chief Minister TR Zeliang said he shared a good rapport with the former minister and worked together for the common interest of the people of Nagaland.
“I knew him to be sincere, humble, compassionate and hardworking person. For me, it is indeed, very difficult to accept that he passed away so soon. In his demise, we have lost a good steward and a fatherly figure and the loss he left will be difficult to fill,” Zeliang said.
Describing Konyak as a “very efficient legislator who served the people with full dedication,” Deputy CM, Y Patton said his demise was a great loss for the people, especially during these trying times.
On behalf of the state BJP legislators, he conveyed deepest condolences to the bereaved family and prayed for the departed to rest in eternal peace.
In another message, Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA) Speaker, Sharingain Longkumer noted that Konyak was not only a remarkable leader, but also a kind and compassionate person.
“His effort in advancing social justice and community welfare were truly inspiring,” he said, conveying condolences on behalf of the members of the 14th NLA.
Meanwhile, the Eastern Nagaland Legislators’ Union (ENLU) said that Konyak was a political stalwart, enthusiastic and passionate leader who served the society in different capacities.
Stating that he was a selfless person who always worked for the welfare of the people, the union said that his service and dedication to the people were exemplary and his legacy of commitment and integrity will continue to inspire.
“It is indeed a great loss for the Naga society in general and the entire eastern communities in particular; therefore, let us celebrate his life by remembering his noble contributions to our society,” it said, conveying condolences to the bereaved family.