Our Correspondent
Imphal, August 24 (EMN): Former Chief Minister and a member of first Lok Sabha Rishang Keishing was laid to rest at his residence Mantripukhuri in the outskirts of Imphal town this afternoon with full state honours.
Prior to the formal burial ceremony, a state funeral service was organised within the compound of Mantripukhuri residence wherein state Chief Minister Nongthombam Biren Singh led hundreds of people in paying tributes to the departed soul.
Speaking in the tribute service Chief Minister Biren said he would try to make late Rishang’s principles and wishes a reality.
Recalling late Rishang’s positive remark on his government’s move to build up hill valley rapport under the banner ‘Go to Hills’ during his last meeting with the veteran politician in the hospital, he said he would never forget his last words and advice for the peaceful coexistence in the state. He would be ever remembered as an ideal Parliamentarian and a high-principled Chief Minister forever by the country, he added.
Earlier in the day, his body was brought to Congress Bhavan where Manipur Pradesh congress Committee (MPCC) President TN Haokip and former chief minister and opposition leader O Ibobi Singh led congress leaders and workers paid last tribute to the veteran political leader.
Later a memorial service was held at the Manipur Baptist Convention (MBC) church in Imphal where his son Victor Keishing, a former parliamentary secretary narrated his father’s wish to live every communities cutting across party line and religion together peacefully. A brief condolence service was also observed at the Adimjati ashram located near MBC church.
Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh, opposition leader and former Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh and many others attended the funeral.
Deputy Chief Minister Y Joykumar, Ministers, MLAs, ex-MLAs, top civil and police officers and a large number of people and well-wishers also took take part in paying their last respects to the late parliamentarian. An Indian Reserve Battalion contingent performed the guard of honour and offered gun salute.
Earlier there was a plan to bury his body at his native village Bungpa in Kamjong district. However the family members decided to bury at his residence at Mantripukhuri.
Indo-Asian News Service stated that the family received a letter on Thursday morning from an armed group warning them not to take the body to Ukhrul, the family declined to name the outfit.
Accordingly, the burial date was advanced to Thursday.
