Four prominent personalities from Nagaland pass away; condolences pour in

Our Correspondent

Kohima, May 17 (EMN): Four prominent personalities from Nagaland, including a former MLA, passed away in the last 48 hours.

Former NLA legislator K Imlong Chang and Vizodel Khatso, executive engineer, Art and Culture and Horticulture departments passed away on May 16, while two civil society organisation leaders — President of Eastern Nagaland People’s Organisation (ENPO), C Sashi Naga, and Vice President of Chakhesang Hoho, Kohima, Pfüche Koza died on Monday.

Sashi passed away at Christian Institute of Health Sciences and Research in Dimapur, while Khatso and Koza died at Naga Hospital Authority Kohima.

Condolences have poured in for the bereaved families of the deceased from various quarters on Monday.

ENPO observes half day mourning

The ENPO declared half day mourning within its jurisdiction, closed business establishments till noon on May 17 and flags of its six federating units were flown at half-mast in honour of its departed president Sashi.

While informing that Sashi took over as the president ENPO on March 31 2021, the organisation stated that his demise is an “incalculable loss for the entire people of Eastern Nagaland”.

Nagaland Governor RN Ravi expressed pain at the death of the leader, stating that the State has lost a tall and dedicated leader, and that his “selfless services towards the society will be remembered for years to come”.

“I on behalf of the people of Nagaland and on my own behalf, convey our heartfelt condolences. I also pray to God to give strength to the family to bear this tragic loss and grant them peace and solace at this hour of pain. May his soul rest in eternal peace,” read his condolence message.

Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio recalled Sashi as a “dedicated and a selfless social worker”, who worked tirelessly for the welfare of the people.

“As a leader of civil society, he made significant contributions and sacrifices for the masses and his footprints will always be remembered for all times to come. In his death, the eastern Naga people in particular and the Nagas in general have lost a guardian and a leader and the vacuum left by him will be difficult to fill,” read his condolence message.

“I extend my deepest condolences to the members of the bereaved family, the ENPO family and to all his well-wishers and pray that the Almighty God grant them peace and solace at this time of grief. May the departed soul rest in peace,” it added.

Mourning the death of former legislator Chang, who held constitutional offices from 1987 to 2003, Rio described him as a “dedicated and hardworking government servant as well as a respected public leader”.

“Throughout his political career he was someone who worked selflessly for the welfare of the people, especially for those who belonged to the marginalised sections of society,” he wrote, adding that Nagas and the Chang community have lost a tall leader.

He also extended condolence to the bereaved family and the well-wishers of the deceased.

In another condolence message, the chief minister mourned the demise of Khatso, who he described as a ‘dedicated, sincere, diligent, humble and helpful officer who was always there to help people in need and contributed much for the welfare of the society. He also extended condolences to members of the bereaved family.

Deputy CM Y Patton mourned the demise of Koza, remembering him as an “active social worker who steered many positive change” and conveyed his condolences to the bereaved family.

The Chakhesang Hoho, Kohima expressed grief at the sudden demise of its vice president, describing him as a “humble and dedicated leader who gave his best for the society and the Chakhesang community in particular”.

Koza served the Hoho as Information & Publicity Secretary and Vice President. He was also the Chairman of Building Committee (Chakhesang Community Market) and had tirelessly put his effort towards the progress of the building, the Hoho informed.

“His passing away will create a vacuum which will be difficult to fill. His good deeds and sacrifices shall remain afresh in our minds,” it wrote, while conveying heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family members.