Nagaland: Former legislator Dr Longrineken Ao laid to rest

Former legislator of 29 Jangpetkong Assembly constituency, Dr. Longrineken Ao, who passed away on March 7, was laid to rest on Sunday following a funeral service held at his residence in Aoyim Village, Chümoukedima.
The funeral service, held at 2 pm, was attended by family members, well-wishers and a host of legislators. Dr. Longrineken is survived by his wife, a son and a daughter.
Dr. Longri was first elected in 2013 on a NPF ticket. He later joined the BJP in 2018 and was re-elected from the same seat. During his tenure, he also served as parliamentary secretary and advisor in the state government. In 2023 Assembly elections, he contested the Jangpetkong seat on a Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) ticket but was unsuccessful.
Speaking to the media after the funeral service, chairman of Aoyim Village Council, Imlinuken Ao, clarified that Dr. Longrineken’s death was caused by cardiac arrest, and not as speculated in some quarters.
According to him, Dr Longri’s wife informed that he had suffered a cardiac arrest and that he had not been keeping well for some time.
Condolences
Nagaland chief minister Neiphiu Rio, NLA Speaker Sharingain Longkumer, deputy chief minister Yanthungo Patton, and leaders across several political parties have condoled the demise of former legislator Dr. Longrineken Ao.
CM: State chief minister Dr. Neiphiu Rio expressed shock and sadness over the untimely demise of his former colleague. Describing Dr. Longrineken as a gentle and kind person, Rio said he was a sincere leader who carried his responsibilities with humility and dedication.
He said the late leader was a man of quiet strength and integrity who remained deeply committed to serving the people.
Rio added that the Ao community in general and Khar village in particular had lost a respected leader and mentor. He and his family extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and prayed for strength and comfort for them.
Speaker: Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA) Speaker Sharingain Longkumer also expressed profound sorrow over the passing of Dr. Longrineken.
Speaker further highlighted the late leader’s involvement in humanitarian causes, including his voluntary role in the State Coordination of the Indian Campaign to Ban Landmines under the Indian Institute for Peace, Disarmament and Environmental Protection, Nagpur and Geneva Call, Switzerland, reflecting his commitment to peace, human rights and humanitarian principles.
He said Dr. Longrineken remained a humble and approachable leader throughout his life and that his service to the people of Nagaland would be remembered. On behalf of the members of the 14th Nagaland Legislative Assembly, the Speaker extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and prayed for strength for them during the difficult time.
DyCM: Deputy chief minister Y. Patton also expressed grief over the passing of Dr. Longrineken, describing him as a respected former MLA and dedicated colleague. Patton said the late leader’s simplicity and humility earned him the respect of many and that his dedication to public service would always be remembered. Recalling fond memories of working with him, Patton said Dr. Longrineken had contributed significantly to the BJP during his 10 years of service and left a lasting impact on those who knew him. He extended condolences to the bereaved family on behalf of his family.
State BJP: BJP Nagaland unit also expressed profound grief at the passing of the former legislator. In a condolence message, the party described Dr. Longrineken as a respected leader and committed public servant who dedicated his life to the welfare and progress of the people. The party acknowledged his contributions to public service and his role in the development of the state, adding that his demise was a great loss not only to his family but also to the people of Nagaland.
NPP: Nagaland National People’s Party (NPP) unit also mourned the demise of the former MLA. State president A. Nyamnyei Konyak described Dr. Longrineken as a committed public servant who served the people with sincerity and humility, adding that his contributions to the welfare and development of the people would always be remembered.
NPP vice president and chief spokesperson K. James Vizo also expressed sadness, recalling that Dr. Longrineken was known for his humility, simplicity and friendly nature. He said the late leader was approachable and respected by colleagues and party workers alike, and that his demise was a great loss to both his constituency and the state.
LJP(RV): Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) national secretary S. Richard Humtsoe also expressed heartfelt condolences on the demise of the former MLA and Advisor. He said Dr. Longrineken had rendered invaluable service to the people of Nagaland and made significant contributions to public life and the development of the state.
Meanwhile, S. Richard Humtsoe, national secretary of LJP (RV), also expressed grief over the demise of Dr. Longrineken Ao.
Humtsoe said Dr. Longrineken Ao’s dedicated service and commitment to the people would always be remembered. He stated that the late leader had rendered invaluable service to the people of Nagaland and made significant contributions to public life and the development of the state. Humtsoe described his demise as a great loss to the people of Nagaland and conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family.
He also prayed that the departed soul rest in eternal peace and that the family members find strength and comfort during this difficult time.
JD(U) Youth wing: JD(U) Nagaland Youth Wing president Mhao Yanthan also expressed deep sadness over the passing of Dr. Longrineken. He described the late leader as a respected figure and a man of integrity whose kindness, wisdom and leadership would be greatly missed. Yanthan conveyed his condolences to the bereaved family and prayed that they find strength and comfort during the difficult time.