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Dimapur, Oct. 12 (EMN): Nagaland Governor RN Ravi and Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio have mourned the demise of former Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha) and incumbent Minister for Environment, Forest & Climate Change and Justice & Law, on Monday at Naga Hospital Authority Kohima (NHAK).
“I am deeply shocked and saddened to hear the untimely demise of your beloved husband,” read Ravi’s condolence message to Alemla Chang, wife of the deceased.
“We shall remember him for his contribution to the State of Nagaland as an able Administrator, a prominent Parliamentarian, a Minister and a hugely popular public figure. In his demise not only has the Chang Community lost a tall leader but is a loss for the entire State and the Country,” he wrote.
“I on behalf of the people of Nagaland and on my own behalf convey our heartfelt condolences to you and other family members. May Almighty God grant peace and solace and give strength to overcome this irreparable loss. May his soul rest in peace,” he added.
[Also read: Minister and former MP CM Chang no more]
Rio has expressed ‘shock and deep pain’ over the demise of the minister, who he described as ‘close friend, brother and advisor’.
“He served the Government of Nagaland as an IAS officer, a member of the Lok Sabha in Parliament and a Cabinet Minister. He was a close friend of mine for several years and we shared a close working relationship for decades. He was like a brother, a trusted advisor and a loyal associate. I am unable to fully express the loss, especially at this juncture,” CM’s condolence message read.
“He was a pillar of strength, a true gentleman and a fatherly figure to many. I will miss his friendship and the valuable advice which he always rendered during crucial times. Late C.M. Chang was a forthright person, always good natured and a fine gentleman,” he added.
Rio stated that the demise of the incumbent minister has created a huge vacuum not just for the people from eastern Nagaland but for the Nagas as a whole. “He has made significant sacrifices for the welfare of society and his contributions in the service of the State will be remembered for all times to come,” he said.
“In this sorrowful time, my family joins me in conveying our deepest condolences to the members of the bereaved family and we pray to God Almighty to comfort them with strength and solace. May the departed soul rest in eternal peace,” the condolence message added.