DIMAPUR — The final rites of late MLA and advisor Noke Wangnao were held on Wednesday at Helipad, Mon Town, before he was laid to rest at his native Mon village.
The nine-time NLA member died on August 28 at the Christian Institute of Health Sciences and Research (CIHSR), Chümoukedima, following a cardiac arrest. He was 87 years old and is survived by his wife, four daughters, two sons, and grandchildren.
[bsa_pro_ad_space id=1]During the funeral service, condolence messages were delivered by the representatives of Konyak Union (apex), Konyak Nyupuh Sheko Khong (apex), Konyak Students’ Union, Konyak elected members, Konyak Baptist Bumeinok Bangjum, NDPP Mon region, Mon district Gaon Bura Association, Mon Union, Mon Town and MVSU, Konyak Gazetted Officers’ Union, Chi-Mon land Owner Association, BJP Mon district, Konyak Union (Mon Unit), Social Welfare department, the DC Mon, and others.
Wangao worked as an assistant teacher at Government High School in Mon before entering politics to run in the 3rd Nagaland Legislative Assembly election for the UDF and becoming an MLA in 1974. He was re-elected in 1977 (UDF), 1982 (NNDP), 1987 (NPC), 1989 (NPC), 2003 (NPF), 2013 (NPF), 2018 (NDPP), and 2023 (NDPP).
From 1968 to 1973, he was the finance secretary of the Konyak Students' Conference.
Sümi Hoho, Thenucho Tunyi condole
Meanwhile, Noke Wangnao's death has been mourned by the Sümi Hoho, which stated that his passing has left a profound void in the hearts of all Nagas.
In a condolence message, the hoho stated that late Wangnao was not only a seasoned politician, but also a guiding light whose leadership was held in high regard by the entire Naga community, and his enduring legacy of wisdom, dedication, and commitment to the welfare of Nagas will continue to inspire people for years to come.
“His passing creates an immense void in Naga society, one that will take time to heal,” the message read.
Former Nagaland home minister, Thenucho Tunyi, also condoled the demise of Wangnao.
Tunyi said in a condolence message that Wangnao will be remembered as a statesman and a towering personality in Naga politics, and described him as a man of few words who would wear his heart on his sleeve and seldom cowered under pressure.
[bsa_pro_ad_space id=1]“His unwavering personality was the basis on which his political legacy was built,” he said.
He further added that late Wangnao firmly believed in Naga unity and worked towards the goal of bringing all Naga ancestral lands under one cohesive administrative umbrella. His desire for equality among all the Naga people made him rise above party politics, and he was against the idea of division, he said.
Stating that his association with Noke had been for over 40 years and that during this time he had shown himself to be a genuine person with a deep sense of love and concern for the Naga people, Tunyi said that in his death, the people have lost an honourable man and a seasoned politician.