Khole Konyak dies in hospital in New Delhi, Wednesday

The vice-chairman of National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN-IM), Khole Konyak died in a hospital in New Delhi on Wednesday, NSCN sources here said. According to reports, Khole Konyak was hospitalized on Tuesday following a stroke.

The mortal remains of Konyak will be flown to Nagaland on Thursday, the sources said. Khole Konyak was sworn in as the vice-chairman of NSCN (IM) on May 19, 2016 after he left NSCN (Unification) as the president in January 2016. Nagaland Deputy Chief Minister, Y Patton condoled the death of Konyak and termed it as a great loss.

"As a man of integrity, Konyak dedicated his whole life to the call of Naga Nationalism for self-determination. His impeccable image as a true patriot and a Nationalist can never be erased from the minds of the people," Patton said.

The Leader of Opposition in Nagaland Assembly and former chief minister, T R Zeliang also condoled the death of Konyak. "As a Naga National Worker, Khole Konyak was a tall Naga leader who rendered his service in various capacities and was sworn in as the Vice-Chairman of NSCN-IM on May 17, 2016," Zeliang said.