Imphal, August 23 (IANS): Former Manipur Chief Minister and veteran Congress leader Rishang Keishing, who died on Tuesday, will be buried on Friday, family sources said on Wednesday. The burial would take place in his village Bungpa in Manipur's Ukhrul district. Keishing, 97, died on Tuesday night in an Imphal hospital where he was admitted on July 1. Hundreds of politicians, social activists and others have been visiting his home in Mantri Pukhri near Imphal since Wednesday morning. Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh, his Congress predecessor Okram Ibobi Singh and many others have condoled the death of Keishing, a Tangkhul tribe leader who served as state Minister, Speaker, Chief Minister and MP in both houses of Parliament. "Manipur has lost a brilliant leader," said Biren Singh. "In honour of the departed soul of the people's leader, Manipur shall mourn for three days. All government offices and educational institutes are closed on Wednesday as a mark of respect to him," the Chief Minister said. Former Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh said: "People have lost a father figure. It will be no easy task to fill the void." A freedom fighter and a member of India's first parliament (1952-57), Keishing retired from the Rajya Sabha as its oldest member in 2014 after serving two terms since being elected to the Upper House in 2002. As Manipur Chief Minister from 1980 to 1988 and from 1995 to 1998, he escaped assassination attempts by militants several times. Former Manipur Home Minister and ex-state Congress President Gaikhangam said: "He was a true leader of the people." "He had done everything for us. All of us should now join hands to revamp the Congress, a thing he would have loved to see," Manipur Congress President and former minister T.N. Haokip added. Keishing's body was brought to the Congress office where the rank and file paid the last tributes. Hailing from Ukhrul district of Manipur, Keishing did his schooling in Shillong and started his career as a school teacher. Messages of condolences are pouring in from many parts of the country, family sources said. Condolence messages TR Zeliang Nagaland Chief Minister TR Zeliang expressed pain to learn of the demise of Rishang Keishing. A message from the Chief Minister referred to late Keishing as “one of the most dynamic statesman” from North East and extended condolences to the bereaved family. K Therie: President of the Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC) K. Therie also expressed sadness to learn of the demise of Rishang Keishing – a four-time former Chief Minister. In a message, Therie recalled late Keishing as being the General Secretary of the Nagaland Integration Council following the 16 Point Agreement. “He contested as Integration Council candidate and was defeated by those who later championed the cause,” the NPCC president reflected. “However through his illustrious career, Keishing left a treasure of political and historical relations.” All rank and file of the NPCC joined in expressing heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family. “It is our prayer that the Almighty God comfort and console in this difficult time of grief. May his soul rest in peace.” Tangkhul Hoho Nagaland The Tangkhul Hoho Nagaland mourned the demise of Rishang Keishing. In a message, the Hoho stated that late Keishing was a “true Naga leader” whom God had blessed abundantly. Reflecting on late Keishing’s service, the Hoho recalled that he had been one of the champions of the Naga integration movement. “[He] along with his team of Naga Integration party came to Nagaland in the late sixties and addressed public rally at the Kohima Local Ground, fervently urging the Nagas for integration of all Naga areas,” the Hoho stated. “May his dreams be fulfilled in the nearest future,” it added. Tangkhul Union Kohima The Tangkhul Union Kohima also paid its respect to late Rishang Keishing. “Throughout his political career, he has always been very active for the causes he believed in and served the people of Manipur at his best [capability] for which people considered him a dynamic and energetic leader,” the TUK stated in a message. The union extended condolences and prayed that the Almighty give strength to the bereaved family. TNSD The Tangkhul Naga Society, Delhi also mourned the passing away of “Awo” Rishang Keishing. In a message, the Society recalled the time when late Keishing served as a Member of Parliament in New Delhi, during which the latter had also served as ‘Advisor’ to the Society. “His guidance and leadership helped shape the society,” the TNSD stated. “In Awo Rishang’s long public service, he faced unimaginable sufferings and challenges, but it was his conviction in democratic values and processes that gave him strength to overcome all obstacles. His sacrifices and resolve in democratic path resonated throughout the Naga community and became a beacon for people living in fear and hostility to rally for peace in our troubled land,” it added.
