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Neiphiu Rio speaking during a function that was held at Dimapur airport after the mortal remains of Imtikumzuk Longkumer arrived at the airport on Sunday.[/caption]
Dimapur, Sep. 23 (EMN): Political leaders and workers from across party lines besides community leaders, and well wishers and relatives received the mortal remains of Imtikumzuk Longkumer, advisor of Horticulture and Excise, at Dimapur airport on Sunday afternoon, September 23.
Longkumer passed away at Apollo Hospital in New Delhi, while undergoing medical treatment for a renal ailment on September 22.
Leading the gathering in paying tributes to the demised legislator, Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio recalled his association with Imtikumzuk Longkumer as a friend, colleague, and a gentleman of few words who always meant what he said. Also recalling the friendship between Tuophema and Ungma villages besides his association with Imtikumzuk at the political level, Rio said that he had high respect for the departed leader with whom he shared trust, zeal, and vision.
Rio said to have met Imtikumzuk, his wife and sister in Delhi recently while the latter was undergoing treatment. He recalled the departed leader’s cheerful nature, and said to have admired his eagerness to return to Nagaland and work for the people.
Rio said to be touched by the kind words of Ungma villagers who told him that they had faith in his leadership when he visited the village this year during the Lok Sabha by-poll election campaign.
“During the time that we worked together in the party and the government, I have never heard any complaints from him. I have only heard words of gratitude from him. It is very sad indeed,” Rio stated and assured that he and his colleagues will always be there for Longkumer’s family.
“I want to tell you that you are not alone. We are with you. Though we could not do anything more for him as he is no more, we will be with you in the times to come. We will share your problems and joys. Let us trust in God so that the living will continue to live with hope in Christ. I say this with confidence that my colleagues and my party are with me,” Rio told the family members.
Paying rich tributes to Imtikumzuk, Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP) President Chingwang Konyak recalled his association with Longkumer since the ‘90s.
“I have known Imtikumzuk since the 90s when I was president of the NPCC (Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee) and he was then Congress youth president of Aonglenden assembly constituency. He was very active and rose to the present position from the grassroots,” Chingwang said.
Chingwang described Imtikumzuk as an upright and promising leader, and said that his untimely demise was a loss not only for the constituency but for the party for his enthusiasm and courage to build the party with utmost loyalty and dedication.
Minister of Higher and Technical Education Temjen Imna Along also paid tributes.
“We can only feel the hurt and the pain but we do not know how to feel the loss the family has suffered. My heart goes out to them for the loss of a father, who always listened to his children and a simple husband,” Along lamented.
The minister thanked Leader of Opposition TR Zeliang and his family members and all the legislators from the opposition, the Naga People’s Front, who came forward to express their solidarity and help in Delhi and Dimapur.
Expressing solidarity with Ungma village, Along prayed that God would bless them with more leaders from the soil like Imtikumzuk Longkumer.
Leaders of the Ao Senso Telongjem of Dimapur (ASTD) also paid tributes and thanked the Ungma Senso Telongjem of Dimapur (USTD) for the time given to honour the departed leader. The ASTD said that the demise of Longkumer was a great loss for the Ao community and the Naga people.
Speaking on behalf of the USTD, Ungma Village Council and Ungma Baptist Church, Supulepden Jamir conveyed gratitude to all who came forward to help and show their concern during the time of loss and sorrow.
In expressing gratitude to all well-wishers and all those who came forward to help, Imkongzenla, wife of late Imtikumzuk, thanked God for the strength they received. She thanked Imna Along, PRO to chief minister Rusemtong Longkumer, officials of Nagaland House, and students in Delhi, among others for their efforts to ensure early transportation of the mortal remains back to Nagaland.
Also speaking at the service, Imtikumzuk’s daughter said it would not have been so easy to bring back her father’s mortal remains without the help of all those who came forward in their time of tragedy. She described her father as the most wonderful and humble person she ever knew. “He lives on in our hearts. The only thing that keeps us going is the fact that one day we will be together again,” she added.
The service was presided over by Imnatoshi Longkumer, pastor of the Dimapur Ao Baptist Arogo. He stated that Imtikumzuk would be missed. Beyond the natural sorrow of losing a loved one though, he said in encouragement, there is the supernatural joy that comes from knowing the reality of Jesus, the reality of God’s love, the reality of eternity and above all the reality of future reunion.
The service concluded with a mass prayer after which the mortal remains of the demised leader was taken to Kohima before proceeding to Ungma village in Mokokchung district where a state funeral would be held at 10 am on Tuesday.
It was also learned that the Nagaland government has announced a send off programme in Kohima at 8 am at New Minister’s Hill.
Former governor of states and chief minister SC Jamir also mourned the demise of the legislator. Jamir issued a condolence message addressed to the wife and family on Sunday.
“I was deeply shock to hear the tragic news of the passing away of Imtikumzuk, MLA who represents 26 Aonglenden assembly constituency. As a youth he grew up with his peers in the Indian National Congress under me while I was representing the same constituency,” Jamir said. “As a youth leader he had shown his leadership quality even in the young age. He had worked with me as youth leader as well as my PA (personal aide) while I was chief minister of Nagaland. As a public leader he had exhibited his devotion and dedication for the people he had represented. 26 Aonglenden assembly constituency is unfortunate to face this kind of tragedy twice and thereby dislocating everything in the constituency.”
Calling Imtikumzuk Longkumer’s demise a great lost for the constituency and the people of the state. ‘My wife joins me in sending our heartfelt condolences to all the next dear ones of the bereaved family. May his soul rest in peace.’
