Nagaland: Tributes pour in for Noke Wangnao Konyak

Dimapur, August 29 (MExN): Popularly known as ‘Baba Noke’, Nagaland’s senior most legislators and Advisor of Social Welfare, Noke Wangnao Konyak passed away at Referral Hospital (CIHSR) in Dimapur on August 28. He was the senior most member of the 14th Nagaland Legislative Assembly having been elected to the NLA from the 43rd Tapi assembly constituency under Mon nine times during his long and illustrious political career. Following his demise, several civil society organisations, legislators and individuals have paid rich tribute and also conveyed condolences to the bereaved family members. 

ENSF: Eastern Naga Students’ Federation (ENSF) paid tribute to Noke Wangnao stating that he was the “Grand Old Man of Naga Politics and popularly known as Baba Noke,” who lived to the fullest with distinctive enigma leaving behind a legacy of longevity in Eastern Naga socio-political epoch. ENSF said that Noke was “a towering political patriarch amongst our Eastern Political influential and a distinct acumen who shrewd his best gesture in motivating and edifying the cause of our Eastern brethrens and may this legacy of being the “Grand Old man of Naga Politics” continue to bless our Eastern People and the Nagas as a whole.”

ENNWU: The Eastern Naga National Workers Union (ENNWU) said being one of the senior most elected members in the Nagaland Legislative Assembly Noke Wangnao had earlier served as a Minister in various capacities. “His sudden demise is a great loss to the Nagas in general and Eastern Nagas in particular. The void left behind by his untimely death will be hard to fill in the days to come,” Moba Chang Collective Leadership Member (CLM) Convener, ENNWU stated.

NGBF: The Nagaland Gaon Bura Federation (NGBF) remembered Noke Wangnao as a man of simplicity and honest personality. “His efficiently and dedications towards his people was reflected by elected him for 10 times as MLA. In his demise, Naga people have lost a senior and most experience leader,” the federation stated. 

ENWO: Eastern Nagaland Women Organisation (ENWO) stated that words cannot express the sorrow and sadness “we feel at the loss of this precious life.” Noke Wangnao was a great statesman and a dynamic leader who had given his unwavering and selfless service to the Naga society and the Eastern people in particular throughout his social and political career. His immense contributions in bringing many social changes, transformation and upliftment of the society will forever be remembered, it stated adding that His (Noke) passing away is an irreplaceable loss not only to the family and community in particular but to the State in general.

NLCF: Nagaland Legislators Christian Fellowship (NLCF) stated that Noke Wangnao was a bold and God-fearing leader thereby by his death we lost a faithful leader for the Fellowship and the State. “May you find peace and rest with the Our Lord Jesus Christ. On behalf of the Nagaland Legislators Christian Fellowship, I convey our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family members. May God Almighty grant you solace and comfort at this sorrowful moment,” stated Rev TW Yamyap Konyak, State Chaplain, NLCF.

ENPUK: Eastern Nagaland Peoples’ Union Kohima (ENPUK) stated that Noke will always be remembered for his legacy of principle and stability in his leadership that he had lived. There are no accurate words to describe that you left for Heavenly home so suddenly, but, you were a mighty mountain, high above the plains, treasured with wisdom which guided the people of Eastern Nagaland during its trying time, it stated. The ENPUK on behalf of the seven tribal units Chang Union Kohima, Konyak Union Kohima, Khiamniungan Union Kohima, Phom Union Kohima, Sangtam Union Kohima, Tikhir Union Kohima and Yimkhiung Union Kohima, stand with the bereaved family in this time of pain and sorrow and pray to Almighty God to grant solace and peace, it stated.

KTC: Khiamniungan Tribal Council (KTC) in its condolence stated that Noke Wangnao popularly known as ‘Papa Noke’ was a tall leader among the Nagas who had served the people in different capacities since 1974. His demise has been a great loss to the Eastern Nagas and the peoples of Nagaland in general, KTC stated in its condolence. 

YUD: Yimkhiung Union Dimapur (YUD) said that Noke has dedicated his whole life for the service and upliftment of his downtrodden people. His service and contributions for the welfare of Naga society will not be forgotten but forever be an inspiration to the people, YUD stated in a press release. 

KU Mon: Konyak Union Mon Unit stated that “It is a great loss that one of the most senior politician who was still doing his best to serve our people, has left for his heavenly abode. His immense contributions and leadership as a Naga Politician will be remembered and cherished forever.”

ENLU: Eastern Nagaland Legislators’ Union (ENLU) stated that Noke Wangnao was a man who inspired selfless love and sacrifice for his people in a humble and modest way. “Noke was a man of strict principles, a guide and motivator to many of us especially the Konyak Legislators in particular and Eastern Legislators in general. He was a visionary leader who gave shape to several organizations including the ENPO. No amount of words can describe his great personality who stood for truth alone,” the union stated. 

KU (Myanmar): Konyak Union (Myanmar) on behalf of all the Myanmar Konyak general people have expressed profoundly mourning on the demise on Noke leaving big vacuum for the Konyak community as well as Naga people in general. “Although we could not come physically for tribute due to communication, however we are deep uttered saddened. In this hour of grief and pain, our thoughts and sympathies are with the KU Mon and bereaved family members as they navigate through this difficult time. May the departed soul find eternal peace in rest,” KUM stated.

Konyak Legislators: Konyak Legislators in a press note stated that it has lost a true friend, a mentor and a truly irreplaceable great leader, revered by everyone. His qualities of tolerance, forbearance, forgiveness, decency and respect for others were a model for us all, it stated. “Throughout his political career he lived an inspirational life for the Nagas in general and Konyak in particular with his stern personalities and straightforwardness. In his demise, Konyak Legislators has lost a noble and an industrious leader and his absence will be truly missed,” it added. 

NDPP: Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP) in a press note issued by its president Chingwang Konyak said that a staunch regionalist, Noke never wavered in his commitment to the regional party and during his long political career did he ever join a National party but remained a regionalist till he breathed his last. Having joined politics in 1974, Noke was steadfast in his dedication towards the welfare of the people and towards the upliftment of society, especially in areas considered backward. While holding various offices during his career, he always ensured discharging the responsibilities bestowed on him with sincerity and honesty. “In his demise, not just the NDPP, but the State as a whole has lost an octogenarian whose vault of wisdom and experience will not be easily replaced and his presence will truly be missed. The party as well as the people of Nagaland, especially members of Eastern Nagaland has lost a tall and dedicated leader who was a father figure to many,” the note added. 

NPCC: Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee and ranks and files have expresses its deepest condolences acknowledging Noke as one of the tallest leader from Nagaland. “Indeed a great loss for Tapi constituency and the Nagas in general,” it stated. 

JDU (Nagaland): Janata Dal United (JDU) is condoled the demise of Noke Wangnao who was a ten times an elected Legislator to the Nagaland Legislative Assembly having served as Minister for various Departments. “Being from the Konyak Naga tribe, he has contributed much to the people of Nagaland as a whole. The State will have a vacuum to replace him and to that a loss caused due to his demise,” Media and Publicity Cell, JDU, Nagaland stated in a press release. 

LJP(R) Nagaland: “He was such a towering Leader and his immense contributions and leadership as one among Naga Top Politician will ever be cherished and remembered,” S Richard Humtsoe, State President, Lok Janshakti Party Ramvilas Nagaland stated in a condolence message. 

G Kaito Aye: Recollecting his association with Noke Wangnao for more than 30 years, Minister PWD (R&B) G Kaito Aye said, “I am reminded of the countless moments shared with him that showcased the depth of his character. His ability to bridge divides, find common ground and to put the needs of our constituents first has been nothing short of remarkable.” Aye added that Noke Wangnao was not only an astute leader but also a dedicated public servant who tirelessly worked for the welfare of our state. His commitment to serving the people has set an inspiring example for all of us who had the privilege of working alongside him. His passing has left a void that can never be filed, but his enduring wisdom and unwavering integrity have left an indelible mark in our hearts and on the political landscape of our state which will never be forgotten. The impact of his dedicated service will undoubtedly be felt for generations to come.”

TR Zeliang: Nagaland Deputy Chief Minister TR Zeliang mourned the demise of Noke Wangnao Konyak. In a condolence message, Zeliang stated that Noke was a man of few words and a heart filled with the desire to help his fellow man in every way. His numerous victories in the elections to the NLA are a valediction to the fact that he was favoured over many by his people, he stated. “I am fortunate to have had the opportunity to have served together in the government and interacted with him on various matters concerning the affairs of the state. His death is a huge loss for the people of Mon District in particular and the Nagas in general. In his death, he has left an indelible mark with his sheer perseverance and commitment towards the welfare of his people,” Zeliang stated. 

Y Patton: Deputy Chief Minister Y Patton said that Konyak was the senior most and a very respected legislator in NLA, whose career in politics spanned for more than five decades. Konyak dedicated his life for the upliftment of the people of Nagaland, which will be long remembered. His demise is a big blow to his community and the state as a whole. 

K Konngam Konyak: Advisor, Treasuries & Accounts, Art & Culture, K Konngam Konyak stated that Noke Wangnao was a man of humility, integrity and an exceptional leader who selflessly gave his whole life in the service of the people. His immense contribution towards the welfare of his people cannot be matched with any amount of appreciation, he stated. “His role as a father, husband and as a political figure were ways excellently executed, and it is with a heavy and pained heart, I acknowledges the exemplary toy of the life he lived,” the advisor stated. He added that throughout his entire life, he gave his all in shaping the Social, Economic and Political lives of the people and he leaves behind with at numerous positive impact to adhere to and numerous stories and memories to tell. 

CL John: Minister, Environment, Forest & Climate Change, Village Guards, CL John in a press note stated that Noke Wangnao had served on various capacities with a variety of portfolios under Nagaland Legislative Assembly. Prior to his entering into active politics, he had served in the Political Parties and Non-Governmental Organization under different capacities, the minister stated. He said that Noke was undoubtedly one of the sincere, hardworking and bonafide citizen as well as one of a competent public leader in his own capacity with integrity, straightforward, accountable, and vast wisdom. “It would therefore be very difficult to fill the vacuum caused by his death and his service to Konyak Community in particular and to Nagas in general. Furthermore, his untiring voluntary services to society and individual will be heartily remembered by one and all,” he added. 

A Nyamnyei Konyak: NLA member, A Nyamnyei Konyak said that Noke will be remembered as a tall leader who stood by the masses. His unwavering commitment and visionary leadership left an indelible mark on all sphere of progress and development in Mon District. “His death has left a vacuum especially in the present political scenario of the Nagas in general and the Konyak community in particular. The Konyak community is saddened at the irreplaceable loss of a great leader,” he stated. 

Tokheho Yepthomi: MP Lok Sabha, Tokheho Yepthomi stated that Noke was the senior most legislators and by virtue of it a father figure and guide to many legislatures, past and present. “Even in the realms of politics he was respectfully and compassionately addressed as ‘Uncle’ irrespective of political affiliations across the State’s political spectrum,” Yepthomi stated. “In his passing we have lost a person who dedicated his life for the people for more than five decades. Irrespective of the offices he held, to dedicate ones’ life for more than fifty years for upliftment of our state and people defines the person he was. I had the good fortune to work alongside him for many years,” he added.

KG Kenye: Nagaland Power and Parliamentary Affairs, Minister KG Kenye stated that “Throughout his illustrious political career, he has dedicated most of his life serving his constituents and the people of State in various capacities as MLA, Minister and Advisor. On his passing, our State has lost a towering leader and a great statesmanship.” 

Neiba Kronu: Former minister Neiba Kronu stated that Noke Wangnao was a dedicated and senior most leader who always work for the welfare of the society fervently. In his demise, the State has lost a good leader. ‘I express my deepest condolence to the bereaved family members. May his soul rest in peace,’ Kronu stated in a condolence message received here.

Imkong L Imchen: Advisor, Information & Public Relations, Soil & Water Conservation, Imkong L Imchen described Noke as one of the tallest leaders of the regional politics in Nagaland. He always loved to speak out the truth, no matter what, he stated, further referring to Noke as a man of integrity in Naga Politics. A great loss to the 14th House of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly, to the people of Nagaland, particularly to the people of Konyak and to his bereaved family members, Imchen and his wife conveyed condolences.