Six-time MLA and former minister Nayang Kejong Chang passed away on Thursday at the age of 101. He is survived by his wife, sons, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Born on May 7, 1923, in Hakchang village, Tuensang district, Kejong Chang had a long and distinguished career in public service. He began his career as an interpreter (Dobashi) for the Tuensang Frontier Agency under the North East Frontier Agency (NEFA) on June 6, 1949. He later became an honorary captain of the newly constituted Village Guards Organization in 1957.
Over a span of 42 years in government service, he held various key positions, including head interpreter and second-class Political Assistant to the Deputy Commissioner, before retiring in June 1991. He was later reinstated as an advisor to the Nagaland Governor from 1991 to 1993.
A dedicated Congress worker, Kejong Chang served as president of the Tuensang District Congress Committee (I) from June 18, 1993, to March 2004, and was also a member of the Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC).
In 1998, Kejong was elected to the Nagaland Legislative Assembly from the 54 Tuensang Sadar II Assembly Constituency on a Congress (I) ticket. He was re-elected in the March 2007 by-election and again in the 2008 general elections on the same ticket.
In the April 16, 2009 by-election, he won on an NPF ticket and was appointed as an advisor for Village Guards (VG), Dobashi (DB), and Gaon Burah (GB) Affairs. He was re-elected in the 2013 general election and served as parliamentary secretary for Jail, Home Guard, VG, DB & GB.
From 2014 to 2017, he served as parliamentary secretary for Horticulture, DB & GB, and was inducted as a cabinet minister from July 2017 to 2018. Kejong Chang won again in the 2018 general elections on an NPF ticket.
Religious and Social Contributions
Kejong Chang was also involved in religious and social service. He also served as executive chairman of Chang Baptist Association from 1957 to 1968; treasurer of Tuensang Chang Baptist Church from October 15, 1974, to June 1993.
Since 1993, he had been serving as the treasurer of the International Evangelical Fellowship (IEF). In social field, he was appointed as advisor to the Chang Tribal Council from 1984 to 1993.
He was also a founder member of the Confederation of Chang Student’s Union (CCSU) in 1962 and also served as treasurer of the CCSU from 2012-15.
Condolence messages
CM: State chief minister Neiphiu Rio has expressed deep grief over the demise of Kejong Chang, former Minister and treasurer of NDPP Tuensang Sadar II at Dimapur on February 20, 2025.
In a condolence message to Mrs. Asongla Kejong, the chief minister Neiphiu Rio said that late Kejong Chan’s election to the NLA on 6 occasions “clearly indicates” his popularity among the masses. Rio described late Chang said as “not only a colleague to me but also like an elder brother to whom I looked up to.”
The chief minister also said he found late Chang to be a simple man, yet a visionary leader who had long standing affinity with the people, especially those from the grassroots.
Throughout his career, Rio said late Chang tirelessly worked hard to uplift people belonging to the marginalized category of the society. He was also known for treating everyone equally with kindness and compassion, Rio added.
In his demise, the chief minister said the Chang community in particular and the Nagas, in general, have lost a father figure and a guardian, adding that the emptiness created by his demise would be difficult to fill.
Rio prayed prayer that his good legacy would continue and that he would be remembered for all the sacrifices, and the contributions he had made towards the State’s welfare.
State chief minister, on behalf of the state government, conveyed deepest condolences to the bereaved family and prayed to God Almighty to grant them strength, and comfort to bear this irreparable loss. He also prayed that the departed soul rest in eternal peace.
NLA speaker: Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA) speaker Sharingain Longkumer expressed deep grief over the demise of Kejong Chang, whom he described as a visionary public leader.
In a condolence message, NLA speaker said late Chang was a recipient of four Governor’s Commendation Certificates for his outstanding contribution to social services. Longkumer said that late Chang’s lifelong dedication to the welfare of the people was evident in his many roles, from his early service as an interpreter under NEFA to his impactful tenure in NLA. “His decades-long commitment to political and social service has left an indelible mark on our state,” the speaker said.
In his death, NLA speaker said the state has lost a veteran leader and the void created would be difficult to fill. In this moment of profound loss, the speaker, on behalf of the members of the 14th NLA extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and prayed that Almighty God grant them the strength to withstand the loss. He further prayed that the departed soul rest in eternal peace.
Patton: State deputy chief minister Y Patton has expressed sadness over the demise of former minister Kejong Chang. In a condolence message, Patton said he had been associated with late Kejong since 1998 when they both began their political journey as legislators in NLA and many more later on.
The deputy chief minister also sais he found late Chang to be upright and dedicated leader who loved and worked for the people. “It is a great loss for the state of Nagaland to have lost a veteran political leader,” said.
Patton, who is also the state BJP legislature party leader, on behalf of the state BJP legislators, extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and prayed for the departed to rest in peace.
NDPP: Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP) also expressed deep sadness over the passing of former minister, Kejong Chang at Dimapur on February 20, 2025.
In a condolence message, NDPP president Chingwang Konyak said that late Chang throughout his illustrious career both as a government servant and as a politician was known to have discharged his duties and responsibilities with dedication, loyalty, honesty and humility.
Having lived to be a centenarian, NDPP president said late Chang’s contribution to the State from its nascent years would always be remembered. In his passing, Konyak said not just the people of Tuensang district and the Chang tribe, but Nagaland has lost one of her pioneering leaders whose contribution towards the establishment of the State were recorded in the annals of time and history.
NDPP president said late Chang’s association with the party began in 2022 and though having not contested the general elections of 2023, he continued to serve the party in his capacity as the Treasurer of the 54th Tuensang Sadar – II NDPP assembly constituency with passion and dedication despite his advanced age.
In his passing, Konyak said the NDPP has lost a father figure and a tall leader whose vast wisdom and experience would surely be missed. NDPP president on behalf of the party conveyed heartfelt condolences to Rev. Dr. Chingmak and the members of the bereaved family.
NPF: Naga People’s Front (NPF) through its press bureau expressed deep grief over the passing of Kejong Chang. NPF described late Kejong Chang as “a distinguished leader”, who dedicated his life to the service of the people of Nagaland, particularly the citizens of Tuensang district.
Throughout his tenure as an MLA and minister, NPF said he worked tirelessly for the welfare and development of the state. “His wisdom, leadership, and unwavering commitment to public service will always be remembered,” NPF said and extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family, friends, and well-wishers during this difficult time. The party also prayed that the departed soul rest in eternal peace.
Ex-PAN: Ex-Parliamentarians Association of Nagaland (Ex-PAN) has mourned the demise of oldest member and former minister, Kejong Chang. In a condolence note, Ex-PAN president Joshua Sumi and general secretary Tarie Zeliang said late Chang, though not physically active due to age, continued to be an inspiration and a mentor to the Ex-PAN members, adding that his passing was a great loss to Ex-PAN family.
After having served the people as a government servant for several decades, Ex-PAN said he continued his dedicated service towards the people and the State. Despite his advanced age, Ex-PAN said late Kejong Chang was known to have discharged his responsibilities with grace and humility, always keeping the welfare of the people and the State as first and foremost. Ex-PAN said his passing was not just a loss for the people of Tuensang district and the Chang tribe, but the people of the State.
Ex-PAN conveyed heartfelt condolences to Rev. Dr. Chingmak and the members of the bereaved family and prayed that God give them comfort and strength as they mourn the loss of a dearly loved one.
NPP state unit: National People’s Party (NPP) Nagaland state unit expressed grief over the demise of late Kejong Chang, a popular veteran politician and a leader from Tuensang district.
In a condolence message, NPP state unit general secretary IPR, Ranjit Snghvi stated that party’s state unit president A Nyamnyei Konyak, along with the state executive and rank-and-file have extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family members.
The party prayed that his soul rests in eternal peace and also comfort and strength to the family during this difficult time.
NGBF: Nagaland Gaonburas (village chief) Federation has expressed sadness over the demise of Kejong Chang. NGBF through its media cell said late Kejong Chang was a prominent figure in Nagaland politics, representing Tuensang Sadar II in the NLA.
It said he demonstrated his dedication and conviction to public services. NGBF said his leadership and commitment to the people of Tuensang Sadar II have left a lasting impact. “He was also an elderly figure, who had gone through thick and thin of the Naga politics,” NGBF stated.
In his demise, the federation said they have lost a veteran and fatherly figure leader whose absence would be felt by all. NGBF also conveyed heartfelt thoughts, prayers and condolences to the bereaved family and prayed for his soul to rest in peace.