5-time Nagaland MLA Imkong L Imchen passes away

Dimapur: Nagaland adviser to information and public relations and soil and water conservation, and five-time MLA Imkong L Imchen passed away at a private hospital in Guwahati on Tuesday.

Imchen, 75, was hospitalised at the Naga Hospital Authority Kohima on November 8 following health complications and airlifted to Guwahati on Monday for further treatment.

He reportedly suffered a heart attack on the night of November 8.

A veteran political leader, Imchen was born in Mokokchung district of Nagaland. He was elected to the Nagaland Assembly from the Koridang assembly constituency in Mokokchung district for the fifth time.

He won the last assembly election on the BJP ticket in 2023.

During his long political career, Imchen held several key portfolios in the Nagaland government, including ministerial positions in various departments.

A state funeral will be held at Imchen’s official residence in Kohima to pay last respect and homage to him.

Nagaland Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla, CM Neiphiu Rio, deputy CM Y Patton, other leaders and associations expressed shock and grief at the demise of Imchen.

Condoling Imchen’s death, Bhalla said the state has lost a dedicated and sincere leader, who had served the society in various capacities as a student leader, public leader, cabinet minister, and as adviser.

Rio described Imchen as a warm, cheerful and outspoken person and visionary leader, who was never afraid to express his opinions and always stood up for what he believed in.

“In his passing, the Ao community and the Naga people have lost a stalwart leader, and the void he leaves behind will be difficult to fill,” Rio said.

Condoling Imchen’s demise, deputy CM Patton said his departure marked the loss of one of Nagaland’s most respected and seasoned leaders and a guiding presence within the Nagaland BJP family.