Kuchi Rangkau Zeliang, the son of Nagaland Deputy Chief Minister T.R. Zeliang, passed away on October 9, 2026, at a private hospital in Dimapur following a sudden cardiac arrest.[1] He was 44 years old. The untimely demise of the young entrepreneur and youth leader has drawn widespread condolences from prominent political figures across the state and the country.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his deep sorrow on the social media platform X, extending his heartfelt sympathies and thoughts to the bereaved family and friends during this difficult hour.[2] In response, Deputy Chief Minister T.R. Zeliang expressed deep gratitude for the Prime Minister’s kind words, noting that the support meant a great deal to their family.[3]
Tributes also poured in from regional leadership. Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio expressed profound shock, describing Kuchi as a bright young entrepreneur, a committed social worker, and a childhood friend to his own son.[4] Rio highlighted Kuchi's humility, kindness, and unwavering commitment to youth empowerment. Similarly, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma conveyed his condolences online, praying that the family finds the strength to bear the irreparable loss.[5] The Naga People's Front (NPF) issued an official statement mourning the loss, terming his demise a significant loss to his family, friends, and everyone who knew him.[6]
Beyond his political connections, Kuchi Rangkau Zeliang leaves behind a lasting legacy in youth development and sports. Educated in International Management at the University of Westminster in London, he was the co-founder of YouthNet, an organization focused on managing major events and empowering young people in Nagaland.[7] He was also a passionate sports advocate, serving as the founder and chairman of Barak Football Club, patron of the Peren District Football Association, and an advisor to the Nagaland Pickleball Association.[8]
His funeral service was scheduled for October 10, 2026, at 1:00 PM at Rangkau Mansion in Darogapathar, Dimapur.[9]
Footnotes
[1] Nagaland Post, "Dy CM T.R. Zeliang's son Kuchi passes away," Nagaland Post, October 10, 2026,
[2] DD News, "PM Modi Condoles Passing of Nagaland Deputy CM TR Zeliang’s Son," DD News, October 10, 2026,
[3] Original text provided via user prompt ("We The Nagas", October 10, 2026).
[4] Hub Network, "PM Modi, Neiphiu Rio, Assam CM condole death of T.R. Zeliang’s son," Hub Network, October 10, 2026,
[5] Ibid.
[6] Eastern Mirror News, "NPF mourns death of TR Zeliang's son," Eastern Mirror, October 9, 2026,
[7] YouthNet, "Kuchi Rangkau Zeliang," YouthNet, July 2, 2014,
[8] Government of Nagaland, "1st Peren District Football League 2022 Kicks Off," Department of Information & Public Relations, October 6, 2022,
[9] Original text provided via user prompt ("We The Nagas", October 10, 2026).
Bibliography
DD News. "PM Modi Condoles Passing of Nagaland Deputy CM TR Zeliang’s Son." DD News. October 10, 2026.
Eastern Mirror News. "NPF mourns death of TR Zeliang's son." Eastern Mirror. October 9, 2026.
Government of Nagaland. "1st Peren District Football League 2022 Kicks Off." Department of Information & Public Relations. October 6, 2022.
Hub Network. "PM Modi, Neiphiu Rio, Assam CM condole death of T.R. Zeliang’s son." Hub Network. October 10, 2026.
Nagaland Post. "Dy CM T.R. Zeliang's son Kuchi passes away." Nagaland Post. October 10, 2026.
YouthNet. "Kuchi Rangkau Zeliang." YouthNet. July 2, 2014.