A State Funeral was held for the Advisor for Information & Public Relations, and Soil & Water Conservation, Late Imkong L. Imchen, on November 12 at his official residence at MH/3, Old Minister’s Hill, Kohima. Following the service, his mortal remains were taken to his native village Mangmetong in Mokokchung district for the final rites.

Late Imchen passed away at Apollo Excelcare Hospital, Guwahati, on November 11. The veteran politician had suffered a heart attack on November 8 and was initially admitted to Naga Hospital Authority Kohima. Due to underlying kidney complications and diabetes, he was airlifted to Guwahati on November 10 for further treatment.

“Imchen devoted his life to the service of the Naga people”: Rio

Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, in his condolence message, described bidding farewell to a friend and seasoned leader as deeply disheartening. He recalled that he and Late Imchen had worked together for decades and that Imchen devoted his entire life to the service of the Naga people.

Recounting their days in the Congress party, Dr Rio said Late Imchen was an upright man who was never afraid to speak his mind — a dedicated, trustworthy, and intelligent leader. “He was one of my most confident Cabinet colleagues,” Rio said.

The Chief Minister noted that Late Imchen had performed exceedingly well as Home Minister. He emphasized that even though there were political instability and their party was different they had always been good friends and shared problems.

“I got all the cooperation from him as far as serving the public in the best way possible. Yes, he was in the Opposition as MLA but he effectively worked inside and outside the Assembly. He spoke for the welfare of the people,” Dr Rio cited .

Dr Rio recalled a poignant moment when he visited Imchen at Naga Hospital during his illness — “Despite his condition, his face lit up with a broad smile, giving hope to everyone present.”

Dr Rio fondly remembered him as a humorous, upright leader who lived life to the fullest and left behind a legacy of goodwill and a smile that will be remembered.

“A towering political figure dedicated to public service”: Sharingain Longkumer

Nagaland Legislative Assembly Speaker Sharingain Longkumer, in his tribute, said that Late Imchen had been a close associate of his father, and he had often seen them deliberate on issues of public importance. Longkumer said he was privileged to have worked with Imchen during the 13th and 14th Assemblies.

He described Late Imchen as a man of few words but of strong vocabulary and exemplary majored reasoning, who dedicated his life entirely to public service. “He was indeed a person much loved by his people — a heavy taskmaster, an embodiment of our values and history. A towering political figure whose life was marked by unwavering commitment to public service and community leadership, and the uplift meant for weaker section of people,” Longkumer said.

From his early days as a student leader to his distinguished career in multiple ministries, Longkumer said Late Imchen exemplified integrity, wisdom, and devotion to the people of Nagaland. Beyond politics, he was a rooted organizational leader whose guidance within the Ao Students’ Conference, Ao Senden, and Onpangkong Range Council helped shape the cultural and social fabric of the Ao community.

“In his death, the people of Koridang in particular have lost a prominent political leader,” Longkumer said, extending heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family. On behalf of the 14th NLA and on his own behalf, Longkumer extended heartfelt condolences to Late. Imchen’s wife children and family.

He concluded with the words: “The spirit of the living cherishes the noble deeds of the departed, and the spirit of the departed cherishes the noble gesture of the living.”

“A man born to lead”: Chief Secretary Sentiyanger Imchen

Nagaland Chief Secretary Sentiyanger Imchen, speaking on behalf of the bureaucracy and government servants, described the late Advisor as “a man born to lead.” From his early years as a student leader, the Chief Secretary said late Imchen staged qualities of leadership and a strong sense of public duty.

He also added that as a student, to serve as Vice President and President of the Ao Students’ Conference and later as General Secretary of the Naga Students’ Federation, Late Imchen marked the beginning of a lifelong commitment for the welfare of the people.

The Chief Secretary described late Imchen as a multifaceted personality with a sound grasp of ground realities, maintaining close contact with the public. “He was passionate about the Naga cause, and the preservation of Naga identity and culture. He was also a seasoned administrator and had wide knowledge on the issues of governments, and often, he would guide the departments on policy and administrative issues with his vast experience,” he said.

“A leader who never missed a party programme”: Imna Along

Minister for Tourism and Higher Education Temjen Imna Along, speaking on behalf of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), reminisced about his close and candid relationship with Late Imchen. He admired Imchen’s straightforwardness and ability to express himself freely — “a hallmark of his personality.”

Imna Along said Late Imchen was a meticulous leader who always prepared himself thoroughly. “He was such a significant man that he could not even leave insignificantly,” he remarked, referring to the coincidence of Imchen’s passing on the Chief Minister’s birthday.

Imna Along believed that Late. Imchen had left an impeccable sign of leadership among all.

The minister further said that in Late Imchen’s journey as the BJP, he was privileged to see him join the BJP three years ago. The Minister said that all BJP workers can say, even though he had worked a long time in the Congress as a Congress leader, and even though he was a leader, political and social in the NPF, he was one person who would not miss at party program.

“We miss out going to our constituency for party program, but late Imchen  would never miss out a party program. And whenever he goes to Mokokchung, he would be present in the party office. He was an organisational man, truly said,” the Minister noted.

On behalf of the BJP Nagaland to the family members, the party offered deepest and heartfelt condolences. The Minister concluded that though the grief is immense, he hoped that the family find comfort in the knowledge that he was a man, deeply respected and loved by the people he served.

“His legacy of sincerity, hard work, and commitment to the people of Nagaland will endure. And let us remember, Late Imchen , not just for the high offices he held, but for the positive changes, the champion and the countless lives he touched with his service,” he noted .

Short condolence speeches were delivered by the Department of Soil & Water Conservation, Department of Information & Public Relations, Naga Students’ Federation, Kohima Aor Telongjem Mangmetong Senso Telongjem, Kohima followed by speeches from Late. Imchen’s wife and son.

The funeral program was led by Orenthung Lotha, Commissioner & Secretary, IPR and Co-operation. Rev. Sentisashi Aier Sr. Pastor, Kohima Ao Baptist Arogo also shared the word of God and pronounced the benediction. The funeral ended with Guard of Honour.