Former Speaker of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly and sitting MLA from 23 Impur Assembly Constituency, Dr Imtiwapang Aier passed away Saturday morning in Dimapur. He was 49.
Sources close to the family said that Aier had been unwell for some time and had undergone medical checkup at a hospital in Delhi recently.

 

 

Dr Imtiwapang Aier

However, his medical test reports did not indicate any serious illness and he reportedly returned to Nagaland before he met his sudden demise on Saturday morning. He is survived by his wife Kiehungle, four daughters, and one son.

 

In a notification, Home commissioner Abhijit Sinha has notified that a state funeral will be held on Sunday at 1:30PM at the Heritage, Old DC Bungalow, Kohima to pay last respect and tribute to Aier.

 

 

A look back at the life of Dr. Imtiwapang Aier

 

Dr Imtiwapang Aier, a native of Süngratsü Village in the Mokokchung District, was born on January 22, 1973 to Mrs and Mr Sashituba.

During his college years, Aier was also the Finance Secretary of the Kohima Science College Ao Students’ Union, Jotsoma, and the President of the Kohima Science College Ao Fellowship, Jotsoma.

In the year 2000, Aier began working for the government as a Lecturer at the Kohima Science College. Later, he was a Guest Lecturer at Nagaland University (NU) from 2005 to 2006; a Project Assistant at the Department of Science and Technology (DST), New Delhi, from 2005 to 2006; and a Senior Research Fellow at the Department of Science and Technology (DST), New Delhi, from 2008 to 2011.

 

Academics

Before entering politics in 2013, Aier had an exceptional academic record. He collaborated on a number of national and international publications. Aier has also presented research papers at several seminars/conferences, served as a dissertation supervisor at various universities, and has a diverse background in training and research.

Aier was also named a Leading Scientist of the World 2011 IBC Member, Cambridge University in London, England.

Politics

Aier successfully contested the General Elections to the 12th Nagaland Legislative Assembly as a Congress candidate in February, 2013 and was appointed as the Parliamentary Secretary for Geology and Mining. He was later elected as the Speaker of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly on March 21, 2017 and held the office until February 5, 2018.

He was a Member of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly and was re-elected to the 13th Nagaland Legislative Assembly on the NPF party ticket in the elections conducted on February 27, 2018.

Dr Imtiwapang Aier was then selected as the Assembly’s Chairman of the Committee on Subordinate Legislation from 2020 to 2021.

 

 

Governor, CM, Political parties and organizations condole

 

CM Neiphiu Rio

Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio in his condolence message said that Aier’s demise is a great loss for the State in general and Impur Constituency in particular, and that his absence will be deeply felt by everyone. “Though he is no longer in our midst, his good deeds will always shine and his memories will forever be inscribed in our hearts,” Rio said.

According to the CM, Aier was a young, dynamic and promising public leader.  “In these past few years of working together, I found him to be someone who was always passionate about his work and executed his assignments diligently. He was a sincere and hardworking person. He had an excellent academic record as well, and had gone on to obtain a PhD in Geology. He was a jovial and a humble gentleman with a big heart, who cared much for society’s welfare. Indeed, he was an inspiration to many youngsters,” said Rio.

Governor Professor Jagdish Mukhi

Governor Professor Jagdish Mukhi expressed sadness over the demise stating that he was an able and dynamic leader who was committed to the welfare and uplift of the people.

“His demise is an irreparable loss to the people of the State. The contribution as a great leader and statesman in the service of the highest ideals will remain a legacy and inspiration to many,” the Governor stated.

Ao Senden

The apex Ao Senden expressed shock at the sudden demise of Dr Imtiwapang Aier.

“His demise has left a huge vacuum in the Naga political arena which will be difficult to fill. The Ao Senden extends its deepest condolences to the bereaved family and prays to God to give comfort in this time of mourning. We pay our last respects to the departed soul and may his soul Rest in Peace,” Ao Senden stated in a condolence message.

CNSA

Expressing sadness over the untimely demise of Aier, the Central Nagaland Students’ Association (CNSA) said that they are finding it difficult to reconcile that he is no more.

 

“Nagaland has lost an irreplaceable leader. His faithfulness, his dedication, always being there to help and his generosity were rare qualities that distinguished him from other leaders. He was someone who always supported the cause of the Central Nagas and was always there to lend a hand whenever we required any assistance,” the Association stated.

 

“Nagaland and the Central Nagas in general and the Ao Nagas in particular have lost a great leader, a tremendous asset for the Nagas,” the Association added.

Advisor Tovihoto

MLA & Advisor of Power Tovihoto expressed deep pain to learn about the passing.

Calling Aier a well-educated and promising Naga public leader who served the people with commitment and enthusiasm, the advisor said that his demise has left a huge void in Naga society which will be difficult to fill.

 NPF

 The NPF leader Kuzholuzo Nienu expressed grief and shock at the untimely demise of Dr Imtiwapang Aier.

 

“It was never expected that he would leave us too soon, being a young and energetic leader. Late Dr Imtiwapang was always considered a true statesman and a humble leader who was always in a jolly mood whenever we encountered one another. I remember him as a fine gentleman who always shows his concern and upliftment for the society,” said Azo.

 

The leader while expressing how tragic it was said that his good deeds and the inspiration he left behind will always be remembered and cherished by future generations.

 

 “In the passing away of Dr Imtiwapang, not only the Ao people but the entire people of Nagaland have lost a young upcoming leader whose vision is to see a better tomorrow,” he added.

NDPP

NDPP President Chingwang Konyak while calling the sudden and untimely demise a rude shock said that the MLA was an efficient legislator who dedicated himself to the welfare of his constituency in particular and Nagaland in general.

 

“His sincerity and devotion has led him to hold many key positions within the Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA) and outside and has also served as the Speaker of NLA. His demise is a loss, not just to the people of his constituency and the NLA but is a great loss to the Nagas in general, in his demise the Nagas as a whole have lost a dynamic and young leader,” Konyak said.

 

The rank and file of NDPP together with the president conveyed their heartfelt condolences.

NPCC

NPCC President K Therie expressed deep pain over the demise of the MLA.

 

Recalling how late Dr Imtiwapang Aier entered the Nagaland Legislative Assembly when he was in the Congress, he said they have seen his patience and tolerance as the Speaker of Nagaland Legislative Assembly.

 

“He was a dynamic leader who had much to contribute to Naga society through his able leadership. His passing away is an irreparable loss not only to the family and community in particular but to the state in general,” Therie said.

 

The rank and file of NPCC together with the president conveyed their heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family members.

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