State chief minister, Neiphiu Rio and others have mourned the demise of Rev. L. Mankup Konyak, the first ordained minister among the Konyaks (ordained on March 7, 1967), who passed away on April 7, 2021 at Tamlu village.
In a condolence note, state chief minister Neiphiu Rio described Rev. Mankup as a selfless and dedicated man of God who worked tirelessly in the Church ministry throughout his life.
Besides his immense contribution to the church, some notable mentions were: he served as the president of Konyak Students’ Union; he was the founding member of the Konyak Tribal Union and under his initiative the Konyak uniform shawls for both men and women were adopted.
The chief minister said that late reverend played an active role as a “peace negotiator between Indian Armed forces and the Naga political groups.”
Looking at his life’s journey, it is evident that he was a man of both words and action, who relentlessly offered the best of his years to the church as well as to the society, he said. Stating that the Konyak community in particular and Naga people in general had lost a spiritual mentor and a father figure, chief minister said that although his absence would be deeply felt, his deeds would continue to live on.
Further chief minister and his wife conveyed their condolences to the bereaved family members and prayed that God would give them strength to bear the irreparable loss.
W Wangyuh Konyak: Advisor NDPP W Wangyuh Konyak, ex-MP (Lok Sabha), has expressed grief over the demise of Rev. L. Mankup Konyak.
In a condolence note, W Wangyuh Konyak said that late reverend was a pioneer in the field of Christianity not only in present Konyak area but also in Myanmar and Arunachal areas.
“Though he is no more with us physically, his deeds would always be remembered by the Konyaks,” he stated. Further, W Wangyuh Konyak and his family conveyed condolences to the bereaved family and prayed for his soul to rest in peace.
NPF Mon division: Naga People’s Front (NPF) Mon division has expressed grief over the demise of Rev. Mankap.
In a condolence note, its general secretary (admn) HA Hongnao Konyak stated that the late reverend was among the most prominent figure not only in Konyak community but also among the Nagas.
NPF, Mon division conveyed condolences to the bereaved family members and prayed for his soul to rest peacefuly in the heavenly home.