Minister CM Chang passes away

DIMAPUR, OCT 12 (NPN): Nagaland Minister for Environment, Forest & Climate Change, Justice & Law, Chongshen Mongkosungkum Chang, passed away at Naga Hospital Authority Kohima (NHAK) on Monday. He was 77 and survived by his wife, six sons and five daughters.

A state health department official informed that late CM Chang had contracted COVID-19 besides having other health issues (comorbidities). He had been admitted to NHAK Intensive Care Unit and later put on ventilator.

State chief minister Neiphiu Rio accompanied by his cabinet colleagues paid tributes to Chang in Kohima. The body of CM Chang was taken to his native place, Noksen on Monday evening. The funeral will be held on Tuesday.

Born on April 1, 1943 at Village Noksen under Tuensang district, Chang graduated from Gauhati Universty. He was inducted to the IAS and served as secretary, department of youth resources and sports till he took voluntary retirement in 2002 to contest his first 2003 General Election. He contested on NPF ticket for the 51 Noksen assembly seat but lost. He again lost for the second time as NPF candidate in the 2008 general election. He then contested as NPF candidate and was elected to the 15th Lok Sabha in the 2009 for the lone Lok Sabha seat for Nagaland.

Late Chang returned to state politics and contested and won the 51 Noksen assembly seat as NPF candidate in the 2013 Assembly elections and made Minister of Education. He then joined the newly formed NDPP and retained the seat in the 2018 assembly election and appointed as Minister for Environment, Forest & Climate change and Justice & Law.

PM, Gov, CM, others mourn

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Nagaland governor RN Ravi and chief minister Neiphiu Rio have mourned the demise of Minister CM Chang.

In a tweet, Prime Minister Modi expressed grief at the passing away of Minister CM Chang. Modi said Chang was experienced in areas of administration and policy, first as a bureaucrat and later as a political leader. “He worked hard for Nagaland’s progress. Condolences to his family and friends,” Prime Minister stated.

Gov: In a condolence message, Ravi said the state would remember him for his contribution to the State of Nagaland as an able administrator, a prominent parliamentarian, a minister and a hugely popular public figure. In his demise, governor said not only has the Chang community lost a tall leader but was a loss for the entire state and the country.

Governor, on behalf of the people of Nagaland, convey heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family members and prayed that the Almighty God grant them peace and solace and give strength to overcome this irreparable loss.

CM: State chief minister Neiphiu Rio described late CM Chang as a forthright person, always good natured and a fine gentleman. In a condolence message, Rio said Chang’s demise has indeed created a huge vacuum not just for the ENPO people but for the Nagas as a whole.

Stating that late Chang made significant sacrifices for the welfare of society, the chief minister said that his contributions in the service of the State would be remembered for all times to come. Rio also conveyed deepest condolences to the members of the bereaved family and prayed to God Almighty to comfort them with strength and solace.

NLA Speaker: Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA) Speaker Sharingain Longkumer described late CM Chang as a very good administrator and an eminent parliamentarian.

In a condolence message, NLA speaker said late Chang served the state in various capacities initially as an administrator and thereafter as a minister making immense contributions to the development of the state until his death. In his demise, Longkumer said the Chang community and the State have lost a great leader who always worked for the uplift and welfare of the society.

The Speaker, on behalf of the Members of the 13th Nagaland Legislative Assembly, expressed heartfelt condolences and prayed to the Almighty God to give the strength to his family and friends to bear this great loss with fortitude.

Dy. CM: State deputy chief minister and BLP Leader Nagaland, Y Patton, described late CM Chang as a dear friend, a thorough gentleman, a visionary politician and a kind hearted man, who was loved by one and all.

In a condolence message, Patton said Chang’s contribution for the development and uplift of people especially for brethrens in Eastern Naga area would be cherished and remembered by all. In his demise, deputy chief minister said the state has lost a true leader and a statesman, adding that the vacuum created would be difficult to fill.

Patton, along with all the BJP legislatures of Nagaland, extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family members, relatives and to all his near and dear ones at this hour of grief and sorrow. He prayed that the Almighty God grant them strength and comfort to bear the loss.

Dr. SC Jamir: Former chief minister and former Governor Dr. SC Jamir in his message said he knew late CM Chang “very intimately as he was an officer while I was the chief minister.”

Dr. Jamir said that late Chang as one of the pioneering officers from Tuensang area and deeply involved in shaping the destiny of the people of the less developed area.

He also said late Chang’s interests in the political arena were visible even when he was in the administrative service.

Dr. Jamir recalled that all through his career both as administrator as well as politician late Chang was devoted for the welfare of the people of Nagaland in general and people of less develop areas like Tuensang and Mon in particular.

He said that late Chang’s demise was indeed a great lost for the State of Nagaland, adding that “at this very crucial period the state will miss his wisdom and experiences in dealing with the new challenges ahead of us.”

Dr. Jamir conveyed condolences to late Chang’s the bereaved family and prayed for rest and peace for the departed soul.

Pangnyu: Minister Health & Family Welfare, S Pangnyu Phom, described late Chang as a man of principal and integrity who was calm and ready to face and accept any challenges at any given time.

In a condolence message, Phom said in Chang’s demise state has have lost a great visionary and statesman and a huge vacuum has been created to people of the State at large.

Health minister extended sincere condolences to the bereaved family and dear ones at this hour of mourning.

Kronu: Minister Planning & Co-ordination, Land Revenue, Parliament, Affairs, Neiba Kronu described late Chang as a prominent leader and dedicated bureaucrat who tirelessly served the public in various capacities.

In his demise, Kronu said the state has lost a noble person and a veteran leader of the society.

The minister conveyed heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family members.

Along: Minister of H& TE and Tribal Affairs, Temjen Imna Along, described late Chang as a fine statesman, who was well known for his political prowess, and his deep concern and compassion towards his people.

In a condolence message, Along said “He is an uncle who comes across as a fine gentleman, whose absence shall be dearly missed.”

Along conveyed deepest condolences to the bereaved family and prayed for the departed soul to rest in eternal peace.

MP Lok Sabha: Member of Parliament Lok Sabha Tokheho Yepthomi said late Chang was a very humble person who dedicated his life in service of the people.

In a condolence message, Tokheho said Chang’s vast experience as a bureaucrat was an asset in every government he served. MP said that Chang’s passing has left a vacuum of experience and guidance for the state and its people. He conveyed condolences to bereaved family and prayed that God give them strength during this difficult hour.

NDPP: Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP) president Chingwang Konyak expressed shock over the demise of his “very close friend” CM Chang.

In a condolence message, NDPP president said Chang’s demise has been a great loss for the party and the State and more so for the people of ENPO area. Konyak said that the vacuum created by Chang’s demise would be very difficult to fill. “A conscientious person with a zeal to serve society and fellow human beings, he was one of a kind, a gem of a person. Soft spoken endowed with a genial personality, he was one who endeared himself to all who interacted with him, and shall be remembered fondly for generations to come,” Konyak said.

NDPP president on behalf of party rank and file conveyed heartfelt condolences to bereaved family members and prayed to the Almighty to grant them solace and comfort to to ride over the grief.

NPCC: Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC) president K Therie said late Chang was not only a people’s leader but a cheerful and hardworking person.

In a condolence message, NPCC president said Chang dedicated his life in the service of the people as a bureaucrat and then chose to continue to serve the people through electoral politics.

Therie said Chang’s passing away has created an irreparable void that cannot be filled.

On behalf of rank and file of NPCC, Therie offered deepest condolences to bereaved family members and prayed that the Almighty God console them all through this hour of painful parting.

NNP state unit: National People’s Party (NPP) Nagaland state unit described late Chang as “a visionary leader of our times” and said he was a man of rare political acumen, courage and immense wisdom.

NNP state unit said that his passing has left a deep void in the political fraternity of Nagaland in particular and the Naga society in general which would be hard to fill in days to come.

Offering deepest condolences to the bereaved family, NNP unit prayed for the departed soul and moral support to the bereaved family members at this hour of immense grief.

ENLU: Eastern Nagaland legislator’s Union (ENLU) described late Chang as an able statesman, wise politician and a man of principal and integrity who was calm and ready to face and accept any challenges at any time.

In his demise, the union convenor S Pangnyu Phom and secretary general Toshi Wungtung said the state has lost a great visionary and statesman and a vacuum has been created particularly in Eastern Nagaland and Naga society at large.

ENLU extended sincere condolences to the bereaved family and dear ones at this hour of mourning.

Ex-PAN: Ex-Parliamentarians Association of Nagaland (Ex-PAN) through its president Joshua Sumi and vice president Medokul Sophie said Chang was an outstanding leader who was a successful administrator and an illustrious parliamentarian.

In his passing away, Ex-Pan said the people of Nagaland have lost a well loved and capable leader, a father figure, a mentor and a friend to many.

The association conveyed heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family members and prayed that Almighty God grant them comfort and solace and the departed soul rest in eternal peace.

ENSF: Eastern Naga Students’ Federation (ENSF) said it was deeply pained and mourned the “sudden demise of our tall leader at this crucial time.”

In condolence message, ENSF president Sepili L Sangam and assistant general secretary Khomo P said Chang was true visionary leader who was always engaged in playing constructive role and emphasized more on consensus building and agreement, rather than seeking public popularity.

ENSF said late Chang would be remembered as a dedicated leader both at home and beyond for his selfless and illustrious contribution to the people of Eastern Nagaland as well as to the state for his deep commitment to the ideals of peace and democracy.

The federation offered deepest condolences to the bereaved family members and prayed that Almighty would give them strength and comfort at this hard time.

State IAS Association: IAS Association of Nagaland through its president Sentiyanger Imchen said late Chang joined the government service in 1979 and served with utmost dedication and distinction in various postings in the field and the Secretariat and contributed for the welfare of the State.

After taking voluntary retirement in 2002, the association said he entered public life and worked ceaselessly for the benefit of the State and in the interest of the people of Nagaland.

It said that late Chang would be fondly remembered for his honest, generous and unassuming nature and for his various contributions to the State both as an administrator and as a people’s representative

The association also conveyed its deepest condolences to the bereaved family and prayed for giving them strength and courage at this hour of great loss.

Nchang: Advisor Water Resources Department Namri Nchang condoling the demise of CM Chang said that his death has created a great vacant that none can replace.

Ncang said that late Chang during his life time had done a lot by setting an exemplary deeds “for which we will remain indebted for all the nobles and meritorious works.”

Advisor conveyed deepest condolences to the bereaved family and prayed that the good Lord grant comfort to each and every of his near and dear ones.

Kinimi: Advisor for CAWD & NSDMA, Kazheto Kinimi said late CM Chang had made outstanding contribution toward the uplift of the Nagas under various capacities in the governance of the state.

In a condolence message, Kinimi described late Chang as a man of integrity, honour, courage,

In his demise, Kinimi said the state has lost a towering figure who dedicated his life to serve the people.

Kinimi conveyed deepest condolences to the bereaved family and prayed for the departed soul to rest in eternal peace.

Imchen: Imkong L Imchen, MLA, recalled that late Chang as one of the senior civil officers from Tuensang district contributed immensely for the uplift of the district people in diverse fields with dedication and loyalty.

In a condolence message, Imchen said the people of Nagaland would miss him and it would be very difficult to accept that Chang was “no more with us.”

MLA conveyed heartfelt condolences to the members of the bereaved family and prayed that God grant them solace.

Ex-MP Lok Sabha: Former MP Lok Sabha W Wangyuh Konyak expressed shock over the passing of CM Chang and said that in his demise the people have lost a prominent politician, an able administrator and a polite individual.

In a condolence message, Konyak said Chang was someone whom he considered as an older brother and a friend in many ways.

Former MP said that people of ENPO looked up to him for guidance while as an administrator as well as in politics. Konyak conveyed deepest condolences to the bereaved family and prayed that departed soul rest in peace.

NDPP Central Youth Organisation: NDPP Central Youth Organisation described late Chang as a seasoned politician, a stalwart of NDPP and a tall leader of the Naga people.

The organisation said that the passing of a leader of his stature especially at this crucial juncture when Nagas were “facing tumultuous and challenging times is an inconsolable loss.”

NDPP central youth organisation expressed sympathy with the family members and the people of Noksen Constituency in time of immense grief and prayed for comfort and solace.

NPCC Minority Dept: NPCC Minority department has expressing shock over Chang’s demise said that his absolute resolve and commitment to the people he represented was unprecedented.

The minority department shared the grief, sadness and heartfelt sympathy to the bereaved family and prayed that his soul rest in peace.

NFESA: Nagaland Forest Executive Staff Association (NFESA) expressed heartfelt condolence and sympathy to bereaved family members and prayed that the Almighty grant them solace at this hour of tragedy.

During his tenure as Minister in charge of Forest Environment and Climate Change, the association said he had taken keen interest for the welfare of the NFESA.

In his demise, NFESA said the department has lost a capable minister who could have contributed more for the betterment of the department.

CSUD: Chang Students’ Union Dimapur (CSUD) described late Chang as an inspirational leader to the community, a leading scholar from Noksen village, serving in the state government.

The union said late Chang helped the Chang community in ways more than the community would ever be able to repay “We will forever be indebted to him. His kindness and generosity towards his community and the Naga people will always be appreciated and remembered,” CSUD said, adding that the void that he left would be difficult to fill.

NDPP Mon: Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP), Mon Region has conveyed condolences on the demise of late CM Chang and stated that his demise was a great loss for Naga society and the vacuum created by his passing would be difficult to fill.

NDPP Mon region through its president S Khoiwang Wangsa said that late Chang would be remembered as a strong role model. The party stated that Chang’s contribution to the Naga society and the people of the state would continue to be remembered.

All rank and files of NDPP Mon region has prayed that the Almighty God comfort and console bereaved family members.

NDPP Peren: NDPP Peren region expressed pain over Chang’s demise and said he not just a leader for his own community, but a loving soul loved by all the Nagas in general.

The party stated that the “good deeds done by our Late leader is beyond imagination and can’t be replace by any.”

NDPP Peren region conveyed heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family, ENPO brothers and sisters, and people from his own community.

DPON: Dimasa Public Organisation, Nagaland (DPON) through its general secretary PM Thaosen condoled the sudden demise of late CM Chang.

The organisation stated that his death was a great loss to the entire people of Nagaland.

DPON also conveyed condolences to the bereaved family members and prayed for departed soul rest in eternal peace.

Source: http://www.nagalandpost.com/minister-cm-chang-passes-away/223140.html