Nagaland Minister CM Chang dies at 77 who tested COVID-19 positive
Kohima, 12th Oct.: Nagaland Minister for Environment, Forest & Climate Change and Justice and Law, C.M Chang passed away today at Naga Hospital Authority Kohima (NHAK). Sources said, Chang was undergoing treatment at NHAK and had also tested positive for COVID-19. However, the actual cause of his demise is yet to be ascertained. If turn out that his death is due to Coronavirus, he will be the first MLA in Nagaland who succumbed to COVID-19.
He was 77, born on 1st April, 1942 at Noksen Village in Tuensang did his early education from Government High School Mokokchung and graduated from St. Edmund’s College at Shillong in 1969. He first joined Government service in 1971 as Investigator, Class-II Gazetted at Art and Culture Department, and last worked as Secretary Youth Resources and Sports in 1998. Chang entered active politics as Vice-President of NPF from 2003 till 2012. He contested on NPF ticket from 51- Noksen Assembly Constituency in the 10th General Election, 2003 and from the same constituency on NPF ticket in the 11th General Election, 2008 but lost.
He was elected as Member of Lok Sabha in 2009, re-contested and got elected to the 12th Nagaland Legislative Assembly from the same constituency of NPF Ticket held on 23 February 2013 and subsequently appointed as Minister of School Education on March 5 2013. However, he resigned from the membership of the 12th Nagaland Legislative Assembly on 14th March, 2013 and re-contested in the bye-election from 51 Noksen Assembly constituency held on 4th September 2013 and retained the same seat on NPF Ticket. In 2018, he joined the Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party and won the general election for Nagaland Legislative Assembly for the second time and was appointed as Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate change and Justice and Law. Chang is survived by his wife, 4 sons and 5 daughters.
As a mark of respect to the passing away of Minister C.M Chang, Nagaland Government declares State mourning for two days.
As a mark of respect to the passing away of Minister C.M Chang, Nagaland Government has announced two days State mourning to be observed throughout Nagaland on 13th and 14th October. During the period of State mourning, national flag will be flown half mast throughout the State, where it is regularly flown, and there will be no official entertainment during the period. State funeral will be accorded to the departed leader.
Nagaland Governor, Chief Minister, Deputy Chief Minister and other party leaders condoles the demise of C.M Chang.
Nagaland Governor R.N Ravi expressed shock on the untimely demise of C.M Chang. In a condolence message to his wife, Ravi said, Chang will be remembered for his contribution to Nagaland as an able administrator, a prominent parliamentarian, a Minister and a popular public figure. Ravi said, in his demise, not only the Chang Community lost a tall leader but it is a loss for the entire State and the country. Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio expressed shock and pain on the demise of C.M Chang.
In a condolence message, Rio said he is unable to express the loss, especially at this juncture. Rio said, Chang was a pillar of strength, a true gentleman and a fatherly figure to many. He said, his friendship and valuable advice rendered during crucial times will be missed and his demise has created a huge vacuum not just for the ENPO but for the Nagas as a whole. The Chief Minister said, the departed leader has made significant sacrifices for the welfare of the society and his contributions in the service of the State will be remembered for the times to come.
Deputy Chief Minister Y. Patton expressed deep shock and sorrow over the sudden demise of C.M. Chang. Patton described C.M. Chang as a dear friend, a thorough gentleman, a visionary politician and a kind hearted man, who was loved by one and all. He said, Chang’s contribution for the development and upliftment of our people especially for our brethrens in Eastern Naga area will be cherished and remembered by all. Patton said, in his demise, we have lost a true leader and a statesman and the vacuum created will be difficult to fill. Lok Sabha MP, Tokheho Yepthomi expressed sadness on passing of Minister CM Chang. In a tweet, Tokheho described Chang as a valued colleague during their tenure together in the Nagaland Legislative Assembly. Nagaland State BJP President Temjen Imna Along expressed sadness on demise of Minister for Environmental, Forest and Climate Change and Justice and Law, C.M. Chang. In a Tweet, Along said, his contribution to the progress of the State is commendable. NDPP President Chingwang Konyak in his condolence message said, Chang’s passing away has been a great loss for the party and the State, and more so for the people of ENPO area. He said, the vacuum created by his demise will be difficult to fill. Condolence messages poured in from State Ministers and a host of well wishers.
