All villages under the 28 Koridang Assembly Constituency in Mokokchung District set aside electoral differences on June 15, Sunday to collectively honor their five-term legislator, Imkong L Imchen, who also serves as Advisor for Information & Public Relations and Soil & Water Conservation, on his 75th birthday.
The event, held at the Community Hall of his native Mangmetong Village, also marked a celebration of his fifth consecutive term as MLA — an electoral feat only a few has achieved in Nagaland. What made the day more significant was the turnout: every Village Council Chairman from the constituency was present, including Yimyu Ward and Alichen.
The 28 Koridang AC is home to the following villages: Khensa, Mekuli, Aliba, Kinunger, Settsü, Longkhum, Mangmetong and Chungtia, as well as Yimyu ward under Mokokchung town and the 2nd NAP headquarters Alichen.
Such a complete gathering of traditional heads in one venue — especially in politically sensitive Koridang— is uncommon in a constituency marked by long-standing electoral differences often marred with poll-related violence.
In his birthday speech, Imchen recalled his first electoral contest in 2003, saying he was initially in a “bad position.”
“It was Chungtia village that supported me and made my position strong,” he said, adding, “A large chunk of my votes came from Chungtia and Mangmetong.”
He credited the people of Koridang for consistently supporting him, remarking, “Many people long to be elected even once in their lifetime, but I have been blessed to be elected five times, serving 25 years as a legislator. This is nothing but God’s grace upon Mangmetong village and my life.”
Since entering electoral politics in 2003, Imchen has never lost an election and has held key portfolios, including Home, Health & Family Welfare, Rural Development, Power, and Education.
Although his early wins in 2003 and 2008 were “easier,” the constituency witnessed increasing tension and violence in 2013, 2018, and 2023.
Asked about the symbolic unity on his birthday, Imchen said, “I am very happy. I just want to say thank you to those all who came”. He also went on to add, “The BJP-NDPP coalition is also working effectively in Mokokchung and is working in harmony.”
When asked whether this unity would mean a change towards peace on the violence-prone constituency, he replied, “There was a candidate from Longkhum who unfortunately passed away, and the other is from Chungtia village — but I consider him my nephew. I can only say we do not have ill-will towards each other. There cannot be any political differences… at least that is how I view it.”
Speaking to MT, Chungtia Village Council Chairman, Assamwati Longchar, described the gathering as a “great day for the constituency.”
“We were very happy to witness the unity of the constituency today. We cannot say anything on what will unfold politically during election, but today’s unity shows that unity is possible.”
Tongpangmangyang, President of the Ongpangkong Students’ Conference (OKM), echoed the sentiment:
“Irrespective of the electoral differences, respect can rise above rivalry — and today it showed. We all came here together as a sign of respect for the good works he (Imchen) had done.”
“He has done a lot of good deeds across Koridang constituency and everyone has a soft corner for him,” he added. “There are many who respect his legacy because he was a student leader first, then a political leader, and finally a legislator. This is something we hope many Nagas look up to. He started from the roots.”
During the event, Imchen also spoke about his early life: ”I was told that during the time of my birth, Mangmetong Village had already been burnt to ashes, not leaving a single house. My dad made a house with leaves, and I was born there. There was not even a blanket to wrap me. About five years after I was born, my mom died. My dad remarried, and she raised me.”
He also reflected on his nature in his younger years: “I was criminally minded with intentional hostility. I was violent because I never understood that violence was a sin. Being boastful and self-gratification was my religion. But I believe Jesus loved me more than many others.”
As a mark of goodwill, Imchen also presented tokens of appreciation to all the Village Councils, Church representatives and party leaders present at the event.
The celebration was chaired by Dr Lolen Imchen, pastor, Mangmetong Baptist Church. Rev Luin Jamir offered the invocation, and Rev R Teka pronounced a blessing prayer upon the legislator. A special song was presented by Jongpongtsüla.
Brief greetings were delivered by Lima Imchen, President of Dimapur Mangmetong Senso Union (DMSU), and Kikatemba, Secretary of Mangmetong Village Council. An exhortation was delivered by Dr Lolen Imchen, and the benediction was pronounced by Rev Dr Noklen Longkumer from Ungma.