Nagaland Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla and chief minister Dr. Neiphiu Rio led the state in mourning the passing of Advisor Imkong L. Imchen.
Governor Bhalla paid tribute to Imchen’s lifelong service as a student leader, public servant, cabinet minister, and advisor, calling him a dedicated and sincere leader. Extending condolences to the bereaved family on behalf of the people of Nagaland, the Governor prayed to the Almighty for strength and comfort for the bereaved family during their difficult time.
CM: Nagaland Chief Minister Dr. Neiphiu Rio expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Imkong L. Imchen, recalling their long-standing association and close working relationship built on mutual respect. Calling him both a colleague and a dear friend, Dr. Rio described Imchen as warm, cheerful, and outspoken—a leader unafraid to voice his convictions.
He praised Imchen’s visionary leadership and his ability to connect with people across communities. A tireless public servant, Imchen dedicated his life to the welfare of the people.
Dr. Rio said his loss is deeply felt by the Ao community and the Naga people, and extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family.
Speaker: Nagaland Legislative Assembly Speaker Sharingain Longkümer expressed deep sorrow over the sudden demise of Imkong L. Imchen, describing him as a towering political figure devoted to public service and community upliftment.
Longkumer recalled that from his early days as a student leader to his distinguished roles in various ministries, Imchen exemplified integrity and compassion.
Longkümer highlighted his impactful contributions in Home, Health, Education, and Environment, calling his legacy an enduring inspiration. On behalf of the 14th NLA, he extended heartfelt condolences to Mrs. Alila Imchen, their children, and the bereaved family.
Patton: Nagaland Deputy Chief Minister Y. Patton expressed profound grief over the passing of Imkong L. Imchen, describing him as a tireless public servant and a pillar of the BJP Nagaland family. Patton said Imchen’s decades of service reflected integrity, humility, and perseverance, earning widespread respect. He extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family, friends, and the people of Nagaland, mourning the loss of a revered and exemplary leader.
Kaito: Minister for PWD (Roads & Bridges) and convenor of Central Nagaland Legislators’ Forum (CNLF), G. Kaito Aye, described late Imchen as a senior statesman and towering leader whose contributions to Nagaland would be remembered with admiration for generations.
Terming his demise as an “irreparable loss” not only for the Ao community but for the State as a whole, Kaito said Imchen was a man of vision and conviction who dedicated his life to public service with sincerity, courage and unwavering commitment.
As convenor of CNLF, Kaito said the forum mourns the loss of its respected co-convenor, whose steadfast dedication and leadership greatly strengthened their collective efforts. His absence, he added, would be deeply felt within the fraternity.
BJP: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Nagaland state unit president Benjamin Yepthomi said Imchen was known for his sharp intellect, administrative acumen and unwavering commitment to public welfare. BJP state unit said he remained deeply connected to the grassroots and was admired for his integrity and leadership.
The party said his demise was a tremendous loss not only to his family and friends but also to the political fraternity and the people he served with humility and devotion. BJP state unit said his wisdom, leadership and lifelong service to society would be fondly remembered and deeply missed.
Kenye: Nagaland Minister for Power and Parliamentary Affairs, K.G. Kenye, mourned the passing of Imkong L. Imchen, describing him as a seasoned and prominent political leader. In his condolence message, Kenye said Imchen’s lifelong dedication to public service left a lasting impact on the state’s development. He noted that Imchen’s absence would be deeply felt, but his legacy of leadership endures. Kenye extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and prayed for strength and solace during this time of grief.
Paiwang: Nagaland Health & Family Welfare Minister Paiwang Konyak has mourned the passing of Imkong L. Imchen, calling him a statesman of rare character. Remembered for his humor, openness, and fearless advocacy, Paiwang said Imchen’s legacy of honesty and compassion deeply touched public life and personal relationships. Paiwang extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family, colleagues, and constituents, saying his inspiring legacy will endure for generations.
Tovihoto: Advisor for Tribal Affairs and Election, H. Tovihoto Ayemi, mourned the passing of Imkong L. Imchen, calling him a veteran politician and personal inspiration. Ayemi said Imchen’s legacy of honest, compassionate public service left a lasting impact on Nagaland’s governance. He described the loss as irreparable and extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family on behalf of Dimapur 1 Assembly Constituency.
Moatoshi: Advisor for Labour & Employment, Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, and Excise, Moatoshi Longkumer, expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Imkong L. Imchen, describing him as a senior statesman of rare wisdom, courage, and integrity. He praised Imchen’s lifelong dedication to public service and unwavering commitment to the people. Even in adversity, Imchen stood tall with humility and strength. Longkumer extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and prayed for peace and comfort during this time of loss.
Sethrongkyu : Advisor for IT&C, Economics & Statistics, H. Sethrongkyu Sangtam expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Imkong L. Imchen, calling him a seasoned leader and heritage advocate. He praised Imchen’s role in promoting Nagaland’s history through archival initiatives and public outreach. Sethrongkyu extended heartfelt condolences and gratitude for his decades of dedicated service to the state.
Meanwhile, several political parties, civil society groups, student bodies, press clubs and former legislators have also mourned the passing of advisor Imkong L Imchen and conveyed heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family.
Ao Senden: Ao Senden through its president Marsanen Imsong and general secretary Imtipokyim said late Imchen was a leader who rose from the grassroots and dedicated his entire social and political life to the service of the people. He had served Ao Senden as vice president (1993–94) and president (1994–96).
Describing him as a dynamic, down-to-earth and devoted leader committed to the development and advancement of Nagaland, Ao Senden said his passing is a great loss for the Nagas in general and the Ao community in particular.
NPF: Naga People’s Front (NPF) said passing of Imkong L. Imchen was tragic and noted that he continued to serve the people with commitment until his last days. The party stated that his contributions in strengthening governance, promoting transparency, and advancing rural development would remain deeply appreciated and continue to inspire future generations.
NCD: Naga Council Dimapur (NCD) through its president GK Rengma described late Imchen as a leader known for his unwavering commitment to public welfare.
NCD said he had shown special concern for the Naga Council Dimapur by extending financial assistance towards its functioning, and was widely respected for his approachable nature, integrity, and leadership.
Terming his demise a tremendous loss not only to the family but to the entire Naga community, NCD said his public service, leadership, and philanthropic contributions would remain indelible in the memory of the people.
NSF: Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) through its president Mteisuding and general secretary Kenilo Kent said late Imchen was a towering figure whose life was marked by unwavering dedication, visionary leadership and a deep sense of commitment to the welfare of the Naga people.
The federation said his journey from a student leader to a seasoned statesman reflected his lifelong pursuit of truth, justice and the collective aspirations of the people.
During his tenure as NSF general secretary, the federations said late Imchen played a pivotal role in strengthening the foundation of the student movement, adding that he would always be remembered as a leader who stood firm in his convictions.
The federation acknowledged his immense contributions to the student community and the Naga society at large. NSF said his passing was a great loss not only to his family and loved ones but to the entire Naga nation.
NPCC: Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC) said late Imchen had also served as vice president of NPCC and as president of District Congress Committee, Mokokchung.
NPCC through its communications department said his contributions to the Congress party would always be remembered and cherished. NPCC also conveyed its condolences to the bereaved family and loved ones.
NPP state unit: National People’s Party (NPP) Nagaland state unit described late Imkong L. Imchen as a seasoned and respected leader who dedicated his life in service to the people of Nagaland.
NPP state unit said his decades of political experience, wisdom, and unwavering commitment to public welfare have left an indelible mark on the State’s political and social landscape.
JDU state unit: JD(U) Nagaland state unit said late Imkong L Imchen was a remarkable leader whose outspoken, bold, and straightforward approach to governance inspired many.
JDU unit said his unwavering commitment to the people of Nagaland and his tireless efforts to address their concerns would always be remembered. The party also said late Imchen was not only a dedicated public servant but also a guiding light for those who sought justice and progress.
DPC: Dimapur Press Club (DPC) described late Imchen as a significant figure in regional politics whose years of public service left a lasting impact on many. DPC conveyed condolences to the bereaved family and prayed for strength and comfort during this time of grief.
KPC: Kohima Press Club (KPC) said Imchen was not only a veteran politician and respected public leader but also a good friend of the media fraternity.
Recalling its last interaction with him in August this year at his office chamber in the Secretariat, KPC said he showed genuine concern for issues faced by journalists in the state and remained committed to addressing them. KPC described his demise as the loss of a visionary leader.
MPC: Mokokchung Press Club (MPC) through its president Sashimeren Jamir and general secretary Yarden Jamir described late Imkong L. Imchen as “a veteran statesman and one of Nagaland’s most respected political leaders.”
MPC said Imchen’s decades of public service were marked by exemplary leadership, integrity, and an abiding concern for the welfare of the people.
Acknowledging his contributions to governance and his cordial association with the media fraternity, MPC said her passing was an irreparable loss to the State and its people.
DNSU: Dimapur Naga Students’ Union (DNSU) through its president Hinoto P Aomi and general secretary Michael Kath described late Imkong L. Imchen as “a remarkable son of the Naga soil” whose life and service embodied the true spirit of leadership, wisdom, and dedication to the people.
DNSU said late Imchen from his early years as a student leader to his distinguished role in public service stood as a beacon of unity, courage, and conviction for the Naga youth.
As a statesman and public servant, DNSU said late Imchen carried himself with humility and grace. “His voice and counsel commanded respect across generations and communities, and his actions always reflected a deep concern for the welfare of the Naga people,” DNSU stated.
The union said that his passing left a deep void in the hearts of all who had known and worked with him.
DUCCF: Dimapur Urban Council Chairmen Federation (DUCCF) described late Imkong L. Imchen as a distinguished leader of Nagaland.
The federation said late Imchen was a man of vision, integrity, and commitment who served the people with unwavering dedication. It said his contributions to the welfare and progress of the Naga people would always be remembered and cherished.
DSC: Dimapur Sümi Council (DSC) expressed shock over the demise of Imkong L. Imchen. DSC through its media cell said late Imchen was a seasoned politician known for his bold and outspoken stance on various issues.
LMFN: Linguistic Minority Forum of Nagaland (LMFN) chairman and members stated that late Imchen would be fondly remembered for his unwavering dedication, integrity, and selfless service to the community, particularly to the minority non-Naga community of Nagaland.
LMFN described late Imchen as a seasoned socio-political activist who worked tirelessly to foster understanding and unity between the Naga and non-Naga communities.
The forum said his sudden demise was a great loss to the people of Nagaland.
Ex-PAN: Ex-Parliamentarians Association of Nagaland (Ex-PAN) said that the State has lost one of the seniormost members of NLA as well as a veteran politician whose political acumen and calibre were second to none.
Ex-PAN through its president Joshua Sumi and general secretary Tarie Zeliang said late Imkong L Imchen was known to be a blunt and straightforward leader who always stood for what was right.
The association said his demise was a great loss to not only the people of Koridang and the Ao community, but to all Nagas as a whole.
Therie: Mourning the demise of Imkong L. Imchen, the former minister of Nagaland K Therie recalled his association with late leader in serving the people together for over 20 years when he was in the Congress party.
Therie said late Imchen contributed exceptionally to the state and the people.
Describing late Imchen as a brave man who had the courage to stand up and undertake new ventures, the former minister said his passing was a great loss to Naga society.
Kronu: Former minister Neiba described late Imkong L. Imchen, as a veteran political leader and a prominent figure in Nagaland’s political landscape.
In his demise, Kronu said the state has lost an outspoken and a veteran leader who immensely rendered his service for the upliftment of the society.