Mortal remains of CM Chang lying in repose at his native Noksen village on October 13.
Dimapur, October 13 (MExN): Tributes and condolences continued for Late CM Chang even as the Nagaland Government declared a two-day State mourning on October 13 and 14.
The veteran politician and Nagaland Minister for Environment, Forest & Climate Change and Justice & Law passed away on October 12 at Naga Hospital Authority Kohima (NHAK). He was 77 and is survived by his wife and 5 sons and 5 daughters, and grand children.
PM Modi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressing sadness over the demise said that Chang worked hard for Nagaland’s progress. “He was experienced in areas of administration and policy, first as a bureaucrat and later as a political leader. He worked hard for Nagaland’s progress. Condolences to his family and friends,” the PM said in a Twitter message via PMO official handle.
Minister Pangnyu: Health & Family Welfare Nagaland S Pangnyu Phom has also expressed sadness over the demise and offered his sincere condolences to the bereaved family and dear ones while praying for the departed soul to rest in eternal peace
“CM Chang was a man of principal and integrity who was calm and ready to face and accept any challenges at any given time. With his demise, we have lost a great visionary and statesman and a huge vacuum has been created to people of the State at large,” Pangnyu stated in a condolence note.
Advisor Wangnao: Advisor Department of Social Welfare, and Home Guards & Civil Defence Noke Wangnao also termed late Chang as an inspirational leader and a distinguished gentleman who earned the love and admiration of the people for his innate humility and sense of public service.
“It is indeed a great loss to the Naga people and ENPO in particular,” he said while calling the departed leader “a friend and brother with whom I had trust and confidence.”
“I along with my family extend our deepest sympathy to the bereaved family in this time of grief,” he added.
Advisor Kinimi: Advisor for CAWD & NSDMA. Kazheto Kinimi has also expressed shock and sadness at the demise and remembered Chang’s “outstanding contribution toward the upliftment of the Nagas under various capacities in the governance of the state.”
He was a man of integrity, honour, courage and has left an excellent and lasting legacy, Kinimi said, further conveying his deepest condolences to the bereaved family and prayers for the departed soul to rest in eternal peace.
MLA Kuzholuzo (Azo) Nienu: Conveying deepest sympathy and condolences to the family members of late CM Chang, MLA Kuzholuzo (Azo) Nienu stated “I remember him as a humble, honest and fine gentleman, who is also a fatherly figure to many of us.” “In his death, the state has lost an eminent political leader and an excellent human being,” Azo stated in a condolence message.
Dr SC Jamir: Former chief minister and former Governor Dr SC Jamir described Chang as one of the pioneering officers from Tuensang and deeply involved in shaping the destiny of the people of the area.
Recalling his association with the departed leader, when he was a chief minister, Jamir said Chang was someone who devoted for the welfare of the people of Nagaland in general and people of Eastern Nagaland in particular all through his career both as administrator as well as politician.
“At this very crucial period the state will miss his wisdom and experiences in dealing with the new challenges ahead of us,” Jamir said, further conveying his condolences to late Chang’s the bereaved family and prayed for rest and peace for the departed soul.
Thenucho Tunyi: Former NLA speaker Thenucho Tunyi mourning Chang’s demise said that he will be remembered as an able administrator as well as a successful politician having served in both areas of governance. A true representative of the eastern Nagas, Chang strongly took up the cause and concerns of his people, he said, regretting the loss of a great statesman and conveying his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family members.
Ex-PAN: Ex-Parliamentarians Association of Nagaland (Ex-PAN) in a message termed Chang was an outstanding leader who was a successful administrator and an illustrious parliamentarian.
The people of Nagaland have lost a well loved and capable leader, a father figure, a mentor and a friend to many in his demise, the Association said. It further conveyed heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family members and prayers for the departed soul rest in eternal peace.
APO: The Angami Public Organisation (APO) said that Nagaland has lost a seasoned leader, an upright person and a prominent parliamentarian who has contributed significant services for the people.“
The Angami Public Organisation conveys deep sorrow to the bereaved family and prays for peace and solace that the family needs at this hour and also pray for the departed soul to rest in peace,” it added in a condolence note.
YAA: The Yimchungrü Akherü Arihako (YAA) said that Chang’s death is a “great loss for the entire people of Eastern Nagaland and Nagas as well.” Remembering all the valuable services rendered by him, the YAA conveyed its deepest condolences to the bereaved family members. “We pray to our almighty God to comfort them with good strength and solace at this hour. May the departed soul rest in eternal peace,” it added.
RCN: The Rongmei Council Nagaland (RCN) described Chang as a visionary leader, a man of great political sagacity with immense wisdom.
He was a fatherly figure to the Rongmei Community of Nagaland with his empathy, contribution and unflinching support for our people, it said.
The RCN while extending its deepest sympathies the bereaved family also prayed for eternal rest for the departed soul.
Dr Vikuosa Nienu: It is truly heat-breaking. Chang was a colleague and a friend with whom I worked together for several years before my left for the USA, Dr Vikuosa Nienu said in a message. “We would fondly call him “Akho”, his nick name. True to his calling, his heart was filled with anxiety and hope for his people, and willing to pour out his burdens whenever opportunity arises,” he said. My wife joins me in sending our deepest condolences to his wife and children, he added.
Kiphire region NDPP: The rank and file of Kiphire Region has expressed shock over the demise and said that Chang’s demise has left a big void for ENPO in particular and the Nagas in general.
“We pray that God Almighty keep the departed soul rest in peace and provide strength and solace to the beloved family members,” NDPP Kiphire said while sharing its heartfelt condolences to the family members.
NDPP Tseminyu region: Stating that “Late CM Chang shouldered various responsibilities as a student leader, administrator and as a policy maker,” the Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP), Tseminyu region, mourned the demise of the Minister.
His contribution as a policy maker both in the Lok Sabha and state assembly will go a long way in the history of the Nagas, stated NDPP Tseminyu region president Daniel Tep in a condolence message.
In his demise, the Naga sas a whole has lost a tall figure which will be a big challenge to replace, Tep added.
NLSF: The Nagaland Law Students Federation (NLSF) said that late CM Chang “was a leader who led people by example.”
“His passing away is a great loss for the law students of the state and an irreparable loss to the people... The void caused by his death will be difficult to fill,” NLSF President C Talimoa and General Secretary Dieku Wetsah stated in a press release. The Federation conveyed condolences to the members of his family and admirers.
NSU: Words may not suffice to express the heartfelt sorrow that the Noksen Students' Union feel for the passing of our beloved Api CM Chang, the Noksen Students’ Union said in their message.
“We shall always remember your illustrious contribution and service towards NSU as President from 1960 to 1962. You had been always a visionary leader for Noksen Students’ Union, always a pioneer, a mentor, guide and a public figure to our village people and Chang community in general,” it said, while extending its heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family.
NFD: The Naga Forum Delhi mourned the demise of CM Chang who was also the forum’s President from 2009-2014.
It said that late Chang, with wisdom and foresight, fostered strong relationship between Nagas and strived to harmonise physical boundaries that have been keeping Nagas apart across the country.
“His contribution towards development and upliftment of the Naga society as a politician and bureaucrat are numerous and shall be remembered forever. We honour his legacy and mourn his loss alongside his family and our friends,” it added.
ENNWU: The Eastern Naga National Workers Union (ENNWU) while expressing condolences to the bereaved family said that “CM Chang was a dedicated Naga figure who understands the sentiment of the Indo-Naga political issue. His cooperation and commitment to the Naga cause will be cherished and remembered by the Nagas for all time to come.”
NSCN (IM) Chang Region: Describing CM Chang as “a man of integrity, humble and down to earth person,” Lt Col Sipong Chang, CAO, NSCN (IM) Chang Region said that “He has been the source of inspiration for many souls.”
Stating that the Chang Region and the Naga nation has lost something inexpressible, the CAO conveyed heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and prayed for strength and solace.
TBBWA: As a sign of mourning and respect for CM Change, the members of Tibetan Bhutia Buddhist Welfare Association (TBBWA), Dimapur, voluntarily closed down all shops on October 13, till 12 noon.
Remembering Chang as a noble man whose Good Samaritan deeds impacted many, a message from the association stated that “We will forever be indebted to him for all the good deeds and help that he has done not just for us but also for humanity.”
