Ex-colleagues of former Nagaland minister late YM Yollow Konyak are expressing their sadness over his sudden demise on Wednesday. Konyak was just 53.

Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, in his message, offered condolences to the bereaved family members of lt. Konyak on behalf of the Government of Nagaland and his own family.

He described the departed as an energetic and promising leader with “deep passion for politics ever since his younger days, serving in a number of associations and unions in various capacities, especially for the upliftment of the Wakching area and the Konyaks as a whole, so much so, he took voluntary retirement from Government service to enter politics.”

Rio stated that lt. Yollow, a sincere, hardworking and soft-spoken person, and a capable public leader, cared much for the welfare of his people and added that the demise is a great loss for the State in general and Konyak tribe in particular.

Read more: Eastern Naga Legislators remember humble, kind-hearted Lt. YM Yollow Konyak

Advisor to Information and Public Relations, Soil and Water Conservation, Government of Nagaland, Imkong L. Imchen in his moving message wrote that his “beloved bother” was a very intelligent, versatile, young and dynamic public servant.

Imchen vouched that lt. Yollow had given his best possible services to the people both as parliamentary secretary, agriculture and when he was minister of forest.

“Human destiny becomes so cruel at times and so as to my beloved brother Yollow,to be taken away from our midst,” he added desolately.

The veteran politician said that he and his wife had not enough words to express their sorrow and grief and conveyed their heartfelt condolences to all the members of the bereaved family.

A noble soul gone too early. Goodbye my brother Yollow, Imchen mourned.

Read more: Former Nagaland Minister Y.M. Yollow Konyak no more

In a personal message to Minching Konyak, the widow of lt. Konyak, Leader of NPF Legislature Party, Kuzholuzo (Azo) Nienu prayed that God’s strength, solace, and peace in this hour of great grief and sorrow.

Nienu stated that Yollow Konyak was his former colleague who dedicated, sacrificed, and gave his best for the Naga people. His death is a great loss for the Nagas, he added.

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Deputy Chief Minister TR Zeliang wrote on Twitter:

“Deeply saddened to hear about the news of my Brother and Dear Friend Shri. Y.M. Yollow. A man of grit and courage who stood by me through thick and thin. His untimely demise is truly heartbreaking and a great loss for the Konyak community and Nagas in general.”

S. Phangnon Konyak, Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha, stated:

“The passing away of Shri YM Yollow Konyak, former Minister, is a huge loss for the Konyak community and Nagas in general. We have lost a humble leader prematurely. I pray to God to provide solace and comfort to the bereaved family. May his soul rest in peace..!”