People’s unity cutting across religion and community was Ava Rishang’s last dream

State leaders throng Keishing’s Mantripukhri residence

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Aug 23

“My father’s last wish on his deathbed was for unity among all the people of the state cutting across religion and ethnic affiliations,” said Victor Keishing, son of Rishang Keishing, the political patriarch who passed away yesterday.

 Victor was speaking to the media at his Mantripukhri residence. Political leaders, friends and relatives of the Keishing family turned in large numbers today to share the grief of the bereaved family.

Former chief minister, O. Ibobi, former deputy chief minister, Gaikhangam and former speaker, Th. Lokeshwar, MLAs of the Opposition came to pay tribute to the departed leader.

Ibobi speaking to the media said that the demise of Rishang is not only a big loss for the state but also a big loss for the country. There will be a big vacuum in the field of politics following his demise, he added.

He added it is a bigger loss for the Congress as he was the guiding light to the party, he said, adding Rishang always wanted the people of the state to be united and live together as one regardless which community and religion they belonged to.

The former chief minister also said that even on his deathbed he expressed his concern for the welfare of the state. “No one in the world can replace him in Manipur politics”, he added.

Former deputy chief minister, Gaikhangam said that losing of a person who had enormous capacity of serving the public is a huge loss not only for the state but also for the country.

“He is the role model for symbol of unity as his philosophy and ideology was to bring unity, love and brotherhood among the different communities,” Gaikhangam added.

The former deputy chief minister prayed that the people of the state follow his ideology of unity and brotherhood.

Among others, Hayainu, wife of chief minister, N. Biren Singh, deputy chief minister, Y. Joykumar, MAHUD minister, Karam Shyam , education minister, Th. Radheshyam, tribal and hill area minister, N. Kayisii, agriculture minister, V. Hankhalian along with other members of the ruling party were also seen coming to pay tribute.

Rishang Keishing’s funeral will be held on Friday at his birth place, Bungpa Khunou village, Kamjong district.

Family members informed that tomorrow morning Rishang’s body will be taken to Manipur Congress Bhawan, B.T. Road and later to Manipur Baptist Church (MBC), Imphal. And from MBC his body will be directly taken to Kamjong district.  

A release of the GAD of the state government informed that the state funeral service of the late leader will be held on August 23, at the MBC Church, 10:30 in the morning.

Rishang died yesterday due to multiple organ failure and sepsis at 8.15 pm after fighting for his life for a month in RIMS intensive care unit.