Chümoukedima, February 22 (MTNews): Nagaland Chief Minister, Neiphiu Rio, conveyed his condolences on the demise of Pastor, Melhite Kenye, who passed away on Tuesday, in Chümoukedima. “I am deeply saddened to learn about the passing away of Mr. Melhite Kenye today at Chümoukedima,” said the Nagaland CM in his statement.
Late Melhite Kenye, who had just celebrated his 100th birth anniversary, on the 6th of January, 2022, was a renowned and distinguished personality in Nagaland. He was the Guinness World Record holder for discovering the tallest paddy plant in the world in 1988. For this feat, he was also awarded the Governor’s Gold Medal in 2002.
Late Melhite Kenye, born in Chizami village, Phek District, in 1922, was one of the early Christian converts of his village. He married Kewetso-u Lasuh, who was also among the early Christian converts. Both of them became devout followers of Jesus Christ. Late Melhite Kenye, subsequently, migrated to Dimapur, and served as Pastor of Dimapur Chakhesang Baptist Church, and Pastor of Town Baptist Church, Chümoukedima for a long period, spanning nearly four decades.
Nagaland Chief Minister, Neiphiu Rio, in his condolence message said, “His death is a great loss to the Nagas in general, and the Chakhesang community in particular. However, let us take comfort from the Bible verse that says, “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints”.”