Former minister and veteran politician MC Konyak passed away on Sunday. He was 73 and leaves behind his wife, three sons, one daughter and nine grandchildren. According to family members, his body will be taken to his native village Wakching, Mon.
Late MC Konyak started his political career as member of National Democratic Movement. He was also the BJP president (2003-06) and successfully contested the assembly elections in 2003 and was inducted as parliamentary secretary. He was re-elected in 2008 on NPF ticket and became a minister. Konyak later joined the NDPP in 2018 and was the advisor in the party till he breathed his last.
Before joining active politics, MC Konyak served in various departments as LDA, UDA, Asst. Research Officer Art and Culture (1976-78) and later as Dy. Manager/General Manager Industries & Commerce before taking voluntary retirement in 1997.
He also served various social organizations and was among the founding member of Tuensang-Mon Public Organisation, Tuensang-Mon Gazetted Officers Association and President Tuensang-Mon Public Union, Kohima. He also served as vice president of Naga Students’ Federation (1972-73) and was among the pioneer in establishing the Konyak Baptist Church, Kohima.
Condolences
Nagaland chief minister Neiphiu Rio, Nagaland Legislative Assembly speaker Sharingain Longkumer, deputy chief minister Y Patton along with political parties and organisations have condoled the demise of former minister M Chinge Konyak on Sunday.
CM: Expressing shock and deep pain at the demise of the former minister, Rio in a message said Konyak was not only his former colleague, but also a close friend. Over the years when they worked together, Rio mentioned that he found Konyak to be sincere, hardworking, selfless and pacifist. He always encouraged brotherhood and unity, and tirelessly worked for the welfare of the people, especially those from the marginalised sections, the message stated. Stating that Konyak would be missed dearly, Rio added that in his demise, the Eastern Nagaland people as well as the Nagas in general had lost another guardian, and it would be difficult to fill the emptiness left behind by him.
Rio said that he would be remembered and cherished for all the sacrifices he had made for the welfare of the society and his contributions to the state, calling for celebrating his life and give thanks to God for the person he was.
Rio and his family conveyed deepest condolences to the bereaved family and prayed to God to give them courage and solace to bear this irreparable loss. They also prayed for departed soul rest in eternal peace.
Speaker: NLA speaker Sharingain Longkumer expressed pain to learn about the passing away of MC Konyak at Eden Hospital, on Sunday. He recalled that Konyak was first elected to the 10th NLA from 42 Wakching Assembly Constituency in 2003 and subsequently appointed as Irrigation and Flood Control minister. He was elected to the 11th NLA in 2008 and served as Forest, Environment, Ecology and Wildlife minister.
The speaker described Konyak as not only a remarkable leader, but also a kind and compassionate person, adding that his efforts in advancing social justice and community welfare were truly inspiring.
On behalf of the members of the 14th NLA and himself, he conveyed deepest condolences to the bereaved family and pray that Almighty God give them the strength to withstand the loss. He also prayed for the departed soul to rest in peace.
Patton: Condoling the death of the former minister, Patton described Konyak as a colleague and very efficient legislator who served the people with full dedication. According to Patton, Konyak’s demise was a great loss for the people, especially during these trying times. On behalf of the state BJP legislators, the deputy chief minister conveyed deepest condolences to the bereaved family and prayed for the departed to rest in eternal peace.
CL John: Environment, Forest & Climate Change, Village Guards minister CL John said he was deeply saddened to learn about the demise of the former minister.
In a message, CL John said that MC Konyak, who began his political career in 1998, was elected from 42 Wakching Assembly Constituency in Mon district and had served in various capacities with a variety of portfolios under the NLA.
Prior to his entering into active politics, Konyak was active with various NGOs and political parties, besides serving as a government officer. During his entire life span, the minister said Konyak proved undoubtedly as one of the hardworking and bona fide citizens, while being considered as one of the most sincere government officers as well as a competent public leader with integrity, straightforwardness, accountability, and vast wisdom.
John opined that it would be very difficult to fill the vacuum caused by his death, especially his service to Konyak community in particular and the Nagas in general. “Further, his untiring voluntary services to society and individual will be remembered by one and all,” he stated.
He expressed deep pain and sympathy with the bereaved family and prayed to Almighty God to grant peace and solace to the departed soul.
NDPP: Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP) said it was shocked and deeply saddened at the news of the sudden demise of the former minister.
Stating that Konyak was its senior member, the NDPP in a statement acknowledged that his contribution towards the party during its formative time was invaluable. It admitted that the demise had created a huge vacuum in the NDPP family.
Though advanced in age, NDPP said Konyak continued to be actively involved in all aspects of the party’s growth, adding that his wisdom, advises and contribution would definitely be missed by the party and all members.
The president and rank and file of the NDPP conveyed heartfelt condolences to Konyak’s wife Reizekhrieno and members of the bereaved family. The party prayed to God to comfort them during this sad and difficult time, and also for the departed soul to rest in eternal peace.
ENLU: Eastern Nagaland Legislators’ Union (ENLU) said it was pained and shocked to learn about the sudden demise of Konyak.
The union in a statement described Konyak as a political stalwart, and an enthusiastic and passionate leader who served the society in different capacities. “He was a selfless person who always worked for the welfare of the people, especially for those from the marginalised section,” the statement mentioned. According to ENLU, Konyak’s service and dedication to the people were exemplary, and that his legacy of commitment and integrity would continue to inspire.
The union stated that it was indeed a great loss for Naga society in general and the entire eastern communities in particular. It called for celebrating his life by remembering his noble contributions to the society. Conveying its heartfelt condolences, the union prayed to God to grant solace and courage to the bereaved family to bear this irreparable loss, wished the departed soul to rest in eternal peace.
ENPUD: Conveying its heartfelt condolence to the bereaved family members, the Eastern Nagaland People’s Union Dimapur (ENPUD) said Konyak was a humble, kind-hearted and generous person who was always ready to extend help under any situation.
Union’s president NT Thamlongphom and general secretary Kumchuba mentioned that Konyak was a successful government servant, minister and politician till his last breadth.
According to them, the death was a great loss to the Nagas in general and ENPUD in particular, adding that the void left behind by his absence would be hard to fill.
Stating that the ENPUD shared the pain and sorrow of the family members, they prayed to the Almighty God to give solace to the bereaved family members to bear the loss.