MOKOKCHUNG — Hundreds from all walks of life gathered at the Town Square (Main Police Point), Mokokchung, on Wednesday evening to pay their final respects to late Imkong L Imchen, MLA and advisor for Information and Public Relations and Soil and Water Conservation.

Colleagues and leaders from across political divides, civil society bodies, churches, and the business community filled the square to honour him at the civic service organised by Ao Senden.

Speaking on the occasion, Ao Senden President Marsanen Imsong recalled Imchen’s tenure as his predecessor, stating, “He always urged us to lead with courage and clarity.”

Imsong revisited the darkest chapter of Imchen’s presidency—the December 27, 1994, “Ayatai Mokokchung”—when Indian military forces razed the town. “As Ao Senden president, he led a delegation to the President and Prime Minister of India, voicing our collective grief with unflinching resolve,” Imsong said.

He also highlighted Imchen’s tireless mediation between Naga political groups to forge unity amid factional strife by meeting underground leaders and Hohos, which, he said, is clearly documented in Ao Senden records.

Fearless, principled, and forthright — Nagaland remembers Imkong Imchen

“Today, the Ao community has lost an unshakeable pillar,” Imsong said. “We pray God grants us leaders of his calibre. Let his legacy inspire us to unite and complete the work he left unfinished,” he added.

AKM President Lanutoshi Aier mourned the extinguishing of a “fearless torch”. “He was a true son of the soil—patriotic and omnipresent in our (AKM) joys and crises as former AKM President,” Aier said.

Deputy Chief Minister Y Patton, who shared a 50-year bond with the late leader, said, “This is the saddest day. We’ve lost Nagaland’s most seasoned, respected statesman—a mentor, a brother, a fearless voice for the Naga people.”

Tributes also flowed from Watsu Mungdang and All Ward Union Mokokchung Town. Ajungba Imchen, the eldest son, spoke on behalf of the family.

The service was led by Rev. Temsuwati, associate pastor of Mokokchung Town Baptist Arogo, with the invocation prayer pronounced by Pastor Kikum Longkumer of Kumlong Baptist Church.

After the service, Imchen’s body was taken to his residence at Mongsenbai Ward and later to his native village, Mangmetong. The funeral service is scheduled to take place at Mangmetong Community Hall on November 13 from 10 am onwards, where the late leader will be laid to rest.