Former Upa-Lokayukta of Nagaland and prominent legal luminary Mayang Lima passed away on Sunday morning at Mission Hospital, Jorhat, Assam, while undergoing treatment following a road accident.
Lima, along with three others, was travelling from Tuli to Dimapur in the early hours of October 2 when the vehicle collided with a pole at Degoan in Golaghat district, Assam, around 1:30 am. According to reports, the driver had reportedly dozed off, leading to the crash.
The accident claimed the life of a female occupant, identified as the wife of Opang, while the other passengers sustained serious injuries. Lima, who was seated at the back, suffered critical injuries, including a head wound, fractured ribs, and internal damage.
He was immediately rushed to Mission Hospital in Jorhat, while the driver and Opang were referred to the Christian Institute of Health Sciences and Research (CIHSR) in Dimapur for further treatment.
Lima’s mortal remains were brought to Dimapur, and the funeral service is scheduled for Monday at 11 am at Senden Ruju, near ISBT, Purana Bazaar.
Leaders condole Lima’s death
Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio expressed deep sorrow over the demise of Mayang Lima, describing him as “an able lawyer and a committed public servant who served the State Government in various esteemed capacities.”
“Even after his retirement, his dedication to public duty remained unwavering as he continued to serve as the Vigilance Commissioner and later as the Upa Lokayukta,” Rio said.
He also recalled Lima’s foray into electoral politics during the 2018 Assembly elections, contesting from the 22-Arkalong constituency, as “yet another expression of his passion for serving the people.”
Rio noted that Lima was widely admired for his kindness, humility, and generosity, always extending a helping hand to those in need. “His sudden demise is a great loss to our society, for he still had much to offer for the welfare of our people. May his soul rest in eternal peace,” the chief minister stated.
Deputy Chief Minister Y Patton also issued a condolence message, stating that Lima had “dedicated his life to upholding justice and serving the people with sincerity and commitment.” Patton said Lima’s long career in the judiciary and public service reflected a strong sense of duty and responsibility.
“His contributions to the legal fraternity and public service will be remembered with respect,” Patton added, while extending condolences to the bereaved family and friends.
Naga Council Dimapur pays tribute
The Naga Council Dimapur also mourned the demise of Lima, calling it “a great loss of a distinguished legal figure, a leader, and a true son of the soil.”
Lima had served in several key positions during his lifetime: Principal District & Sessions Judge, Registrar of the Guwahati High Court (Kohima Bench), State Vigilance Commissioner, and as Nagaland’s first Upa-Lokayukta (anti-corruption ombudsman).
In a condolence message, the council stated, “The loss of a person like Mayang Lima is something that can never be recovered. He was always an essential part of his family, community, and the Nagas as a whole. His work always followed the path of honesty.”
“Today we are celebrating his legacy and not mourning him because he was one of the rare gems. He brought the power of his presence, compassion, and position to some of the most vital humanitarian issues during his lifetime. We have all lost an icon,” the message read.
The Naga Council Dimapur also offered prayers and extended sympathy to the bereaved family, praying that “the Almighty God grant the family strength and comfort during this difficult time.”
