Dimapur, Mach 13 (EMN): Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio has expressed shock at the demise of former Minister M Chenlom Phom, at Dimapur on March 13.
Rio said Phom was a senior statesman and he had the privilege of knowing him since he was first elected to the 4th Nagaland Legislative Assembly in 1977 from the UDF. Thereafter, he was re-elected to the 5th, 6th, 8th, and 10th Nagaland Legislative Assembly. During the span of his political career, he held various positions such as minister of state, deputy speaker, speaker and cabinet minister and served the people with commitment, the CM said.
In his demise, Rio said the Nagas have lost a seasoned leader whose absence will be deeply felt by all those who were known to him and those who worked closely with him.
The CM along with his wife and family conveyed condolences to Chenlom’s wife Asenla Chenth, children, and near and dear ones. He also offered prayer for the bereaved family and the departed soul.
Speaker: The Nagaland Legislative Assembly Speaker Vikho-o Yhoshü said the NLA is saddened at the sudden demise of Chenlom Phom, former member and minister on March 13 at Dimapur after a prolonged illness. He was stated to be 77 and survived by his wife, three sons and one daughter.
The speaker said Chenlom Phom was the son of late Molung, born on Jan. 1 1941. He matriculated from Government High School, Changtongya. Prior to his entering into active politics, he served as Assistant Teacher, Government High School, Longleng from 1966-68. He was successfully elected as Member of Nagaland Legislative Assembly for five consecutive terms since 1977 till 2008 and served as Minister of State for Education, Jail, Relief & Rehabilitation from 25 .11.1980-82; Deputy Speaker from 12.12.1985 - 12.03.1987; Speaker from 21.03.1987 - 06.12.1987; Minister for Geology & Mining and Art & Culture, 1987; Minister for Fisheries, Printing & Stationery in 2003 and Advisor, Backward Areas from 10.07.2004 -2008, the message read.
Yhoshü also said Chenlom was a dynamic public leader, who dedicated his life for the welfare of the Naga people.
In his death, the state has lost a committed leader which will be felt greatly by the Naga people in general and the Phom tribe in particular, he lamented.
The speaker on his own behalf and on behalf of the NLA conveyed heartfelt condolences to the wife and children and prayed that Almighty God grant them solace to withstand the loss and also for the departed soul to rest in eternal peace.
Pangnyu: Minister for Health and Family Welfare S Pangnyu Phom is saddened and shocked at the demise of former minister, M Chenlom Phom after prolonged illness at his residence in Dimapur.
A prominent statesman, M Chenlom Phom was dedicated to the service of the Naga people and Phom community in particular, Pangnyu said.
His immense contribution to the Naga society as efficient, sincere and charismatic leader will be remembered and cherished, he added.
In his demise, the minister said the Nagas have lost a seasoned leader and his absence will leave a big vacuum which would be hard to fill.
Pangnyu Phom along with his wife and family conveyed heartfelt condolences to Chenlom’s wife Chubasenla, children and grand children. He prayed that the Almighty God to bless the departed soul and grant solace to the bereaved family.
