Condolences pour in for veteran politician Noke Wangnao

DIMAPUR — Scores of tribal organisations, political parties, NGOs and well-wishers have conveyed condolences on the demise of Noke Wangnao, Advisor for Social Welfare department, who passed away on Monday.

TR Zeliang: Deputy Chief Minister TR Zeliang took to X (formerly Twitter) to convey his condolences. “I am deeply saddened and grieved to hear about the demise of Shri. Noke Wangnao, Advisor Social Welfare Dept. “A man of few words and filled with virtue of humility, his demise is a huge loss for the people of the State. Extending my sincere condolences to the bereaved family,” Zeliang wrote.

S Phangnon Konyak: “In his demise, we have lost a fatherly figure and a dedicated leader of the masses. His simplicity and down to earth nature was what made him stand out among the rest. His service to the people will always be remembered. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family,” Rajya Sabha MP S Phangnon Konyak wrote on X.

NDPP: The Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP) in its condolence message said late Noke never wavered in his commitment to the regional party and that during his long political career he did not join any National party but remained a regionalist till his last breathe last. “In his demise, not just the NDPP, but the state as a whole has lost an octogenarian whose vault of wisdom and experience will not be easily replaced and his presence will truly be missed,” the party said.

G Kaito Aye: Minister of PWD (R&B), G Kaito Aye, described late Wangnao as a cherished father figure, a remarkable individual and a respected statesman. “Noke Wangnao was not only an astute leader but also a dedicated public servant who tirelessly worked for the welfare of our state. His commitment to serving the people has set an inspiring example for all of us who had the privilege of working alongside him,” the minister said in a condolence message.

CL John: Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and Village Guards, CL John, in his condolence message, said Wangnao had proved himself to be a competent public leader with his integrity, straightforwardness, accountability and vast wisdom.  “It would therefore be very difficult to fill the vacuum caused by his death and his service to Konyak community in particular and to Nagas in general,” John said.

KG Kenye: Minister for Power and Parliamentary Affairs, KG Kenye, said that throughout his illustrious political career, Wangnao had dedicated most of his life serving his constituents and the people of the state in various capacities. “On his passing, our state has lost a towering leader and a great statesmanship,” the minister said.

ENLU: The Eastern Nagaland Legislator’ Union (ENLU) in a condolence message described Wangnao as a great leader and trusted advisor who inspired selfless love and sacrificed for his people. “Noke was a man of strict principles, a guide and motivator to many of us, especially the Konyak legislators in particular and eastern legislators in general. He was a visionary leader who gave shape to several organisations including the ENPO,” ENLU said.

JD  Nagaland: “Late Noke was a ten times an elected legislator to the Nagaland Legislative Assembly having served as minister for various departments more particularly, the Social Welfare Department. Being from the Konyak Naga tribe, he has contributed much to the people of Nagaland as a whole,” the Janata Dal United JD  Nagaland stated in its condolence message.

NLCF: The Nagaland Legislators Christian Fellowship (NLCF) in a condolence message expressed shock and pain at the demise of their member Wangnao. “Lt. Noke Wangnao was a bold and God-fearing leader thereby by his death we lost a faithful leader for the Fellowship and the State,” NLCF said. 

LJP  Nagaland: The Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) Nagaland in a condolence message termed Wangnao as “a towering leader” and that his immense contributions and leadership as “one among Naga top politicians will ever be cherished and remembered.”

ENNWU: The Eastern Naga National Workers Union (ENNWU) termed Wangnao’s demise as a great loss to the Nagas in general and Eastern Nagas in particular. “The void left behind by his untimely death will be hard to fill in the days to come,” ENNWU stated.

NPP Nagaland: The National People’s Party (NPP) Nagaland president A Nyamnyei Konyak, MLA, said Wangnao will be remembered as a tall leader who stood by the masses. “His unwavering commitment and visionary leadership left an indelible mark on all spheres of progress and development in Mon district,” the party unit said.

Meanwhile, condolences have also poured in from the Konyak Union Myanmar, Khiamniungan Tribal Council, Konyak Union Mon unit, Yimkhiung Union Dimapur, Konyak legislators, former minister Neiba Kronu, the Nagaland Gaon Bura Federation and NDPP Mokokchung Region.

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