Mokokchung, 22 March (MTNews): Former Forest, Environment, and Climate Change Minister YM Yollow Konyak who represented 42 Wakching AC passed away in Delhi on Wednesday at the age of 53.
The former Minister passed away in a private hospital and is survived by his wife, two sons and two daughters.
Nagaland’s deputy chief minister, Y Patton along with other political leaders expressed their anguish and conveyed condolences to the bereaved family and prayed for eternal peace for his departed soul.
Konyak was a two-time member of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA). Following the demise of CM Chang, who was then serving as the minister of environment, forest and climate change, justice and law, Konyak was sworn in as a cabinet minister in February 2022 to be a part of the chief minister Neiphiu Rio-led United Democratic Alliance (UDA) coalition government.
Konyak, who contested with the NPF party ticket in 2018 was re-elected to the 13th NLA. He had also been a language translator and a BDO and served the society as a student leader as well as in the apex Konyak tribal body.
Konyak withdrew his nomination as a Lok Janshakti Party candidate in the recently concluded Nagaland Assembly election 2023.
Governor, CM, NPF, Imkong L Imchen condoles
Governor La Ganesan while expressing shock over the untimely demise of YM Yollow Konyak expressed sadness stating that the state has lost a dedicated public leader.
“His contributions to the people of Nagaland in various assignments will be remembered for a long time. I, on behalf of the people of Nagaland and on my own behalf convey our heartfelt condolences to you and your family members. May the Almighty God grant peace and solace and give strength to the family to overcome this irreparable loss. May his soul rest in peace,” the governor said.
Nagaland CM Rio while condoling Konyak’s demise said he was an energetic and promising leader. “He had a deep passion for politics ever since his younger days, serving in a number of associations and unions in various capacities, especially for the upliftment of the Wakching area and the Konyaks as a whole, so much so, he took voluntary retirement from Government service to enter politics,” Rio said.
“I, on behalf of the Government of Nagaland and on behalf of my family, extend our deepest condolences to the bereaved family members,” Rio added.
Human destiny becomes cruel at times, Advisor, IPR and Soil & Water Conservation, Imkong L Imchen said, grieving that his “beloved brother, Yollow, has been taken away.”
Imchen and his wife extended their sympathies to Konyak’s family and recalled him as “an intelligent versatile young and dynamic public servant.”
“Though there are no adequate words to express sorrow and grief for his bereavement, everyone shall cherish his illustrious career in public life in the days to come,” Imchen said.
Leader of NPF Legislature Party, Kuzholuzo (Azo) Nienu recalled Konyak as a former colleague who dedicated, sacrificed and gave his best for the Naga people and said that his death is a great loss for the Nagas.
“A big vacuum had been created following his death. May God strengthen the bereaved family,” he condoled.
ENSF Condoles
Calling Konyak as one of the most prominent politicians in Naga society, the Eastern Naga Students Federation expressed their profound sorrow and grief over his demise.
The federation said that Late YM Yollow Konyak had a ‘cheerful and humorous personality’ along with vast knowledge and experience in the field of politics and far beyond was always available to all those in need of his service.
“In his demise, the Eastern Nagaland in particular and the rest of the Nagas in general have lost a very good soul,” the federation stated, adding, it is difficult to believe that he is no more.
“Our deepest condolences to his beloved wife, children and all the near and dear ones of the bereaved family,” the federation added.