Ex-Minister MC Konyak no more; CM, others condole

Dimapur, June 17 (MExN): Former Nagaland Minister in charge of Forest, Environment, Ecology & Wildlife, and Excise, M Chinge Konyak (MC Konyak), passed away today in Dimapur after a brief illness. 

He was approximately 73 years old, as per his personal affidavit filed with the Election Commission, and is survived by his wife, three sons, one daughter, and nine grandchildren.

Hailing from  Wakching village in Mon district, late Konyak  completed his Class X at Government High School Wakching in 1968, then under the Assam Board. 

Later, he obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree from Kohima Arts College in 1973, affiliated with Gauhati University.

Konyak first entered the electoral arena in 2003, contesting from the 42 Wakching Assembly Constituency on a Bharatiya Janata Party ticket, and emerged victorious.

He defended the seat in the 2008 election and was subsequently appointed as Minister.

However, Konyak lost in the subsequent elections in 2013 and 2018, contesting on tickets from NPF and NDPP respectively.
It was learnt that his mortal remains will be taken to his native village of Wakching for the funeral service.

Condolences have poured in from various quarters
Meanwhile, Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio led others in condoling the demise of late Konyak.

In a condolence note, Neiphiu Rio expressed sorrow over the demise of not only a former colleague but also a close friend and says he accepts the news with a heavy heart. 

“Over the years when we worked together, I found him to be sincere, hard-working, selfless, and a pacifist. He always encouraged brotherhood and unity,” he stated.  Rio highlighted late Konyak’s tireless efforts for the welfare of marginalized sections of society.

“In his passing, the people of Eastern Nagaland and the Nagas in general have lost another guardian, and it will be difficult to fill the emptiness left behind by him,” he added.

However, Rio noted that late Konyak would be remembered and cherished for all the sacrifices he had made for the welfare of our society and his contributions to the State.

“In this hour of grief, my family joins me in conveying our deepest condolences to the members of the bereaved family, and we pray to God Almighty to give them courage and solace to bear this irreparable loss,” he concluded.

Nagaland Deputy Chief Minister Y Patton remembered late Konyak as a colleague and “a very efficient legislator who served the people with full dedication.” “His demise is a great loss for the people especially during these trying times,” Patton stated in a condolence message.

On behalf of the state BJP legislators, Patton conveyed deepest condolences to the bereaved family and prayed for the departed soul to rest in eternal peace.

The other Deputy CM of Nagaland, TR Zeliang, also mourned the demise and stated that as a former colleague and friend of several years, they shared a good rapport and worked together for the common interest of the people of Nagaland. “I knew him to be sincere, humble, compassionate, and hardworking,” Zeliang stated. “We have lost a good steward and a fatherly figure, and the loss he left will be difficult to fill,” he added.

The Eastern Nagaland Legislators’ Union (ENLU) also expressed pain over the late Konyak’s death and described him as a political stalwart, enthusiastic, and passionate leader who served society in different capacities. “He was a selfless person who always worked for the welfare of the people, especially for those from the marginalized section,” the union condoled. It noted that his service and dedication to the people were exemplary and that his legacy of commitment and integrity will continue to inspire.

“It is a great loss for Naga society in general and the entire eastern communities in particular; therefore, let us celebrate late Konyak’s life by remembering his noble contributions to society,” it added. The entire ENLU family also conveyed heartfelt condolences and prayers to the bereaved family of late Konyak.

The Eastern Nagaland People’s Union Dimapur (ENPUD) also conveyed its condolences to the bereaved family members of late Konyak, its former Treasurer.

“He was a humble, kind-hearted, and generous person who was always ready to extend help under any situations. He was also a successful Government Servant (retired), Minister, and politician till his last breath,” the union said.

“The death of late Konyak is a great loss to Nagas in general and ENPUD in particular, and the void left behind by his absence will be hard to fill,” it added.

The Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP) also expressed shock over the demise of one of its senior members, noting Konyak’s invaluable contributions during the party’s formative years.

“His passing leaves a significant void in the NDPP family,” the party noted, acknowledging his continued active involvement despite advancing age.

The President and rank and file of the NDPP conveyed condolences to Reizekhrieno and the members of the bereaved family.