Dr. Imkongliba Ao was a pioneer, a great visionary leader and a beacon of light during the “darkest period of turmoil” in the history of the Nagaland state – Governor of Nagaland La. Ganesan.
DIMAPUR — Governor of Nagaland La. Ganesan on Thursday said that Dr. Imkongliba Ao was a pioneer, a great visionary leader and a beacon of light during the “darkest period of turmoil” in the history of the Nagaland state.
The governor also said it was Dr. Ao who helped pave the way for the creation of Nagaland as the 16th state of the Indian Union.
Ganesan was speaking during the observance of Dr. Ao’s martyrdom day, which falls on August 24, held at Dr. Imkongliba memorial hall, Raj Bhavan, in Kohima, an update from PRO Raj Bhavan stated.
Saying that the people of Nagaland must remain grateful for the contribution and sacrifices of its pioneers, he hoped that the rich legacy of their valour and selfless service toward humanity is etched in the minds of the people and continues to be an inspiration.
The governor also disclosed that in recent times, significant strides have been made towards the common quest for peace and progress in the state.
Ganesan urged the people to rekindle their commitment and endeavour towards fulfilling their shared vision of a progressive and thriving state, as envisioned by the pioneers and founding fathers of Nagaland.
Former bureaucrat Tali Longkumer, son of Dr. Imkongliba Ao, who also spoke on behalf of his family, extended gratitude to the governor for honouring the memory of his father who was “martyred for the cause of the integration of the country.”
Longkumer informed that his late father led the Naga delegation to Delhi where the 16-Point Agreement was thrashed out between the Naga delegation and the Government of India.
He also asserted further that the agreement has “firmly stood the test of time.”
Longkumer further recalled his father as a very practical man who feared god and believed that peace was the way to a better life for the people.
It was with this conviction that his father accepted the tremendous responsibilities as the first president of the Naga Peoples Convention, he added.
Vice president of Kohima Aor Telongjem, Moa Jamir, and Aonokpu Village Council chairman, Alemmeren, also spoke during the occasion.
The ADC to the governor, Watichuchang Jamir, briefed the gathering on the life of Dr. Imkongliba Ao, and secretary to the governor, Rajesh Soundararajan, chaired the program.
A flower tribute was also held at the bust of Dr. Imkongliba Ao.
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