State Funeral in Kohima today
Former Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA) Speaker Dr. Imtiwapang Aier passed away in Dimapur on Saturday morning after a brief illness. He was 49 and survived by his wife, four daughters and one son.
According to DIPR, a State funeral will be held at The Heritage Kohima on January 8 (Sunday) at 1 p.m. after which the body will be taken to his native Sungratsu village, where he will be laid to rest on January 9. Earlier during the day host of legislators and well-wishers attended a brief memorial service held at his brother’s residence in Dimapur.
Late Dr. Imtiwapang is also the co-brother in-law of former chief minister and UDA chairman T.R. Zeliang. He was first elected to the State Assembly in 2013 on Congress ticket from 23 Impur Constituency and served as parliamentary secretary geology and mining. He later became the speaker of NLA. He was once again re-elected in 2018 on NPF ticket and later merged with the NDPP along with 20 other MLAs.
Condolences
Nagaland Governor Prof. Jagdish Mukhi, NLA Speaker Sharingain Longkumer, chief minister Neiphiu Rio and host of leaders and organizations condoled the demise of Dr. Imtiwapang Aier.
Gov: In his condolence, Governor Mukhi expressed pain to learn of the demise of former NLA speaker Dr. Imtiwapang Aier.
Mukhi said that late Dr. Imtiwapang Aier was an able and dynamic leader committed to the welfare and upliftment of the people. His demise is an irreparable loss to the people of the State, he said and noted that his contribution as a great leader and statesman in the service of the highest ideals would remain a legacy and inspiration to many. Governor, on behalf of the people of Nagaland and on his own behalf, conveyed heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and prayed that God bestow fortitude to bear this tragic loss and grant solace at this hour of bereavement.
CM: State chief minister Neiphiu Rio expressed pain over the sudden demise of Dr. Imtiwapang Aier, describing him as a young, dynamic and promising public leader. Rio said that during his association with Dr. Imtiwapang, he found him to be someone who was always passionate about his work and executed his assignments diligently and was a sincere and hardworking person.
With an excellent academic record, Rio said he also obtained a Ph.D in Geology.
Besides being a jovial and a humble gentleman with a big heart, Rio said Dr. Imtiwapang cared much for society’s welfare and was an inspiration to many youngsters.
Rio said that his demise was a great loss for the State in general and Impur constituency in particular, and his absence would be deeply felt by all. “Though he is no longer in our midst, his good deeds will always shine and his memories will forever be inscribed in our hearts,’ Rio said.
In his condolence message to Mrs. Kehungyile, Rio, on behalf of the State government and on behalf of his family, extended deepest condolences to the bereaved family and relatives and prayed that family find comfort and strength in the Word of God and also for the departed soul to rest in eternal peace.
Speaker: NLA Speaker Sharingain Longkumer has also expressed pain to hear about the untimely and sudden demise of Dr. Imtiwapang Aier.
Longkumer said late Dr. Imtiwapang was a distinguished writer and a man of vision who was sincere to the core. He was looked upon as a leader with a devoted sense of service to the State and its people, he said.
Longkumer recalled that during his time as the Speaker, late Dr. Imtiwapang had done many things for the welfare of the officers and staff of the Assembly Secretariat.
His passing away has caused a loss not only to the family, but a great loss for the Nagas and the Ao Community as a whole and the void created shall forever stay unfilled, the speaker said.
Longkumer, on behalf of the members of the 13th Nagaland Legislative Assembly and on his own behalf, conveyed heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and prayed that Almighty God grant them strength to cope with such a loss and the departed soul to rest in peace.
DyCM: Deputy chief minister Y. Patton said that the untimely demise of Dr. Imtiwapang Aier has left all heartbroken. He was a deeply passionate leader who touched the lives of so many, Patton said and conveyed heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and prayed for his soul to rest in peace.
NPF: NPF Legislature Party leader Kuzholuzo (Azo) Nienu expressed grief and shock to learn about the untimely demise of Dr. Imtiwapang Aier.
Azo said it was never expected that Dr. Imtiwapang would leave too soon. Being a young and energetic leader, Azo said late Dr. Imtiwapang was always considered a true statesman and a humble leader.
Describing him as a fine gentleman, who always showed concern for the upliftment of the society, Azo said his good deeds and the inspiration he left behind would always be remembered and cherished by the future generation.
In the passing away of Dr. Imtiwapang, he said not only the Ao people but the entire people of Nagaland have lost a young upcoming leader whose vision was to see a better tomorrow.
Azo conveyed heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and prayed to the Almighty to grant them solace and for the departed soul to rest in eternal peace.
Kronu: Planning & Coordination and Land Revenue minister, Neiba Kronu said he was pained to learn about the sudden demise of Dr. Imtiwapang Aier.
Kronu said he was a young and dynamic leader who always worked for the welfare of the society passionately and executed his assignments diligently.
In his demise, the State has lost a good leader, Kronu said and express deepest condolences to the bereaved family.
Tovihoto: Advisor Power H. Tovihoto Ayemi said he was pained to learn about the passing away of Dr. Imtiwapang Aier.
He said Dr. Imtiwapang, a well-educated and promising Naga public leader, served the people with commitment and enthusiasm and his contribution towards the well being of the people of his constituency and the state at large is notable.
Tovihoto said his demise has left a huge void in Naga society which would be difficult to fill.
He conveyed sincere condolences to the bereaved family and prayed for the soul to rest in eternal peace.
CNTC, CNWA, CNSA: Central Nagaland Tribes Council president, Lanu Imchen; Central Nagaland Women Association president, K. Atoli Sema and Central Nagaland Student Association president R. Sunep Pongen have expressed deep pain over the sudden and untimely demise of Dr. Imtiwapang Aier.
They said late Aier was a dynamic and energetic leader who always dedicated his life for the common cause of the people and upliftment of the Naga people.
He was a visionary leader who with his vast experience had yet much to contribute to the Naga society under his able leadership, they said.
His passing away has created a vacuum in the Naga politics and was a great loss not only to the Ao community but also to the entire Naga people, the organizations added.
The signatories conveyed heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family members and prayed that Almighty God grant comfort to the family and also for the departed soul to rest in peace.
NDPP: NDPP president Chingwang Konyak said that the sudden and untimely demise of Dr. Imtiwapng Aier came as a rude shock to all.
He said late Dr. Imtiwapang was an efficient legislator who dedicated himself to the welfare of his constituency in particular and Nagaland in general. His sincerity and devotion has led him to hold many key positions within the State Assembly (NLA) and outside and had also served as the Speaker of NLA.
Chingwang said his demise was a loss, not just to the people of his constituency and the NLA but the Nagas in general. In his demise, Nagas as a whole have lost a dynamic and young leader, he added.
Chingwang along with the NDPP rank and file conveyed heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and prayed that almighty God grant solace and comfort to all and for the departed soul rest in eternal peace.
NPCC: In his condolence message to Mrs. Kehungyile, wife of late Dr. Imtiwapang Aier, Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC) president K. Therie expressed deep pain on learning about the demise of Dr. Imtiwapang Aier.
Therie recalled that late Dr. Imtiwapang entered the Nagaland Legislative Assembly as a Congress member. As speaker of the Assembly, Theire said the members witnessed his patience and tolerance in the house.
Describing him as dynamic leader, who yet had much to contribute to Naga society through his able leadership, Therie said his passing away was an irreparable loss not only to the family and community in particular but to the state in general.
Therie along with the rank and file of NPCC conveyed heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family members and prayed that the Almighty God comfort them and prayed for the departed soul to rest in eternal peace.
Ao Senden: Ao Senden said it was shocked to learn about the sudden demise of Dr. Imtiwapang Aier.
In a condolence message Senden president Chubawati Longchar and asst. general secretary Arentemjen Jamir said late Dr. Imtiwapang was a young, dynamic and visionary leader who always envisioned and worked for the common Naga cause and upliftment of the people.
His demise has left a huge vacuum in the Naga political arena which would be difficult to fill, they said.
The Senden conveyed condolences to the bereaved family and prayed to God to grant them comfort and prayed for the departed soul to rest in peace.