Our Correspondent
Imphal, August 23 (EMN): People cutting across the party line and religion, remembering one of the tallest leaders of the country for his selfless service to the nation and the region, paid floral tribute to late Rishang Keishing, former Chief Minister of Manipur and a member of the first Lok Sabha at his Mantripukhuri residence in Imphal on Wednesday. Rishang Keishing, former chief minister of Manipur and a member of the first Lok Sabha, died following multi-organ failure at the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) Hospital on Tuesday.
Manipur Governor Dr Najma Heptulla, Former Chief Minister and opposition leader O Ibobi Singh and President of Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) TN Haokip led a host of congress leaders, Bharatiya Janata Party Manipur Pradesh leaders, Ministers, MLAs, Ex-MPs, Ex-MLAs, religious leaders besides state Chief Minister N Biren’s wife turned up to paid floral tribute to departed soul this morning.
Terming him as “seasoned parliamentarian”, Governor Dr Heptulla in a condolence letter to Rishang’s wife Khatingla, said “He served the state and the people tirelessly throughout his life and his demise was an irreparable loss”.
In his condolence message, Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh who is presently in Bangalore said, “Rishang Keishing was a people’s man and a pragmatic leader and his contribution towards the progress of the state will always be remembered. He has conveyed condolence message to the bereaved family.
Former Chief Minister Ibobi in his condolence message said the demise of late Rishang Keishing was a great lost for the state. Ibobi stated that late Keishing’s distinguished service and proper guidance during crucial and critical time will always be remembered. “Till his last breath, he always spread harmony and oneness among all the communities in the state,” Ibobi added.
As a mark of respect to the departed soul, three days has been declared as state mourning by the government. All state government offices and educational institutions were closed on Wednesday.
After floral tribute ceremony, condolence services will be observed at the Congress Bhavan and Manipur Baptist Convention premises in Imphal tomorrow. Later his body is likely to be taken for last rites at his native village Bungpa, Kamjong district, which is about 100 km away from the state capital.
