Hundreds of mourners attended the State funeral service of Noke Wangnao, adviser of Social Welfare department, held at Noke villa residence, Nagarjan (Kuda village) Dimapur on Monday afternoon.
Veteran regionalist and nine-time legislator, Noke Wangnao passed away Monday morning at Christian Institute of Health Sciences and Research (CIHSR). He leaves behind his wife, four daughters, two sons and grandchildren. He was 87.
Late Noke first joined active politics in 1974 and got elected as UDF candidate from 43 Tapi constituency in Mon district. He served the state in various capacities spanning nearly five decades, including minister. Cabinet ministers led by chief minister Neiphiu Rio, legislators, senior government officials, civil society organisations (CSOs) and well-wishers paid their last respects to Wangnao.
Speaking at the funeral, Rio conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved and described Wangnao as a dedicated leader and pillar of strength for the NPF and later the NDPP.
Highlighting the late leader’s unwavering commitment to public welfare, he recounted Wangnao’s enduring service to the people, surviving challenges, including an assassination at-tempt, and championing regionalism and Naga identity. He said the death had created a vacuum in the state’s political landscape, adding that his legacy would remain an inspiration for all.
Rio acknowledged the immense loss felt by the family, party and government. He praised Wangnao’s wise advice, stating that his presence brought comfort and stability to the often tumultuous world of politics. He urged all to honour the late leader’s legacy by emulating his principles, encouraging a celebration of his life despite the sorrow of his passing.
Rio conveyed his deep respect and gratitude for his association with a man of unwavering dedication, leaving behind a legacy to be remembered and respected.
NLA speaker Sharingain Longkumer recalled the adviser’s dedication, versatility, and humble leadership. He described him as the “Pillar of Nagaland’s Political Landscape” whose contribution would be remembered. Admitting the irreplaceable void left behind, Longkumer expressed condolences on behalf of the 14th NLA and prayed for Wangnao’s eternal peace.
Deputy chief minister Y Patton said Wangnao was not just an elected representative, but was al-so a statesman whose legacy would forever echo in the hills and valleys of Nagaland. Elected to the Assembly nine times, his decades-long commitment to the state was “steadfast and unwavering” and was firm in his dedication to public service.
Patton mentioned that as a minister, adviser and in different capacities throughout the years, Wangnao ushered vital reforms and initiatives that had enriched lives and shaped the future of the social fabric. Wangnao was a man of outstanding integrity, a quality that had become all too rare, Patton added.
He mentioned that the 14th NLA mourned the loss of an “irreplaceable pillar”, adding that the people of Nagaland had been robbed of a tireless servant who had devoted his entire life to their well-being.
“The Konyak community in particular has lost a cherished son, a role model and a guiding light,” Patton remarked and conveyed his condolences to the bereaved family members and prayed for the departed soul to rest in peace.
Expressing gratitude for the honour bestowed on her husband, Apham Wangnao said the demise was untimely and unexpected. She described him as a loving husband who spent 43 years of his life together with her and devoted his entire life for the upliftment of people.
A brief account on Wangnao was also shared by his brother-in-law. Condolence message were also delivered by P Longon, MLA on behalf of Eastern Nagaland Legislators’ Union), PDA convenor and NDPP president Chingwang Konyak, Social Welfare Department director, ENPO president, Konyak Baptist Church, Dimapur and Konyak Union Dimapur.
The funeral service was chaired by social welfare department secretary Martha R Ritse, invocation prayer was proposed by Konyak Baptist Church, Dimapur pastor P Temlei, word of God and benediction was pronounced by state chaplain Rev TW Yamyap Konyak, which was followed by a guard of honour by Nagaland Police.
The body of Wangnao was later taken to his native Mon village, where he would be laid to rest.