Newmai News Network Imphal | August 24 Manipur bid adieu to veteran politician Rishang Keishing today as thousands of people from different walks of life came out to pay their tributes to the departed leader. He was buried this afternoon at his Mantripukhri residence in Imphal East district with Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh leading people in paying tributes to the former Chief Minister and Parliamentarian, who was laid to rest with full State honours today. Former Chief Minister, O Ibobi Singh and other leaders also attended the funeral service. The casket containing the mortal remains of Rishang Keishing was first taken to Congress Bhavan at BT Road in the heart of Imphal at 8 am. There, the Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) organized a condolence programme. Thereafter, the mortal remains of the former Chief Minister was taken to Manipur Baptist Convention (MBC) and a serene memorial service was held. The casket was then taken to Adimjati Shiksha Ashram, Chingmeirong before it was transported to his house at Mantripukhri in north Imphal. Rishang Keishing’s son Victor Keishing gave a moving eulogy about his father. Victor, the youngest son of Rishang and former MLA, said that his father worked hard for peace in the State. Among others, Deputy Chief Minister Y Joykumar, Ministers, MLAs, top civil and police officers and a large number of people and well-wishers also took take part in paying last respect to the late Parliamentarian. An IRB contingent performed guard of honour and offered gun salute in honour of the former Chief Minister. The gathering also observed a two-minute silence as a mark of respect to the departed soul. Giving a brief speech prior to the funeral service, the Chief Minister N Biren said that during his last meeting with the veteran politician in RIMS Hospital a few weeks back, Rishang Keishing expressed profound satisfaction to him for his efforts towards restoring the hill-valley rapport under the slogan, ‘Go to the Hills’. The Chief Minister remembered the late leader as a cool, gentle and bright leader, who put in relentless efforts to sustain unity and integrity of the State. Stating that he would never forget his last words and advices, the Chief Minister said that he would try his level best to make Rishang’s principles and wishes a reality. He would be ever remembered as an ideal Parliamentarian and a high-principled Chief Minister forever by the country, the Chief Minister said. N Biren said that Rishang made significant contributions to the progress of the State. On behalf of the State Government and people of Manipur, the Chief Minister also shared grief with the bereaved family. Meanwhile, Rishang’s funeral which was slated at Bungpa, his native village in Ukhrul district, on Friday had to be prepone a day ahead due to security reasons. Family sources said the earlier plan was to take the veteran leader's body from Imphal to Bungpa, but the family received a letter on Thursday morning from an armed group warning them not to take the body to Ukhrul, the IANS news agency reported. The family declined to name the outfit. Accordingly, the burial date was advanced to Thursday, it reported. A freedom fighter and a member of India's first Lok Sabha (1952-57), Keishing retired from the Rajya Sabha as its oldest member in 2014 after serving two terms.