Imphal, Aug 23: The demise of former Chief Minister and Parliamentarian Rishang Keishing has shocked the entire people of the state as well as the neighbours.
The first Parliamentarian died here at RIMS at .8.15 pm yesterday due to multi organ failure. The 98 years old parliamentarian has been undergoing treatment at RIMS since July 1 after a significant deterioration in his health condition.
As a tribute to the parliamentarian state government led by Chief Minister N. Biren Singh declared a three-day mourning in the state and announced holiday today.
A senior leader of the Congress party, Rishang Keishing served as Manipur CM for four terms. Born 25 October 1920, he was the last surviving member of India’s first post-1947 Parliament. Keishing’s term at Rajya Sabha, the Upper House of Indian Parliament ended on April 9, 2014. He is also the first MP from the state.
He is survived by his spouse, Khatingla and six children. The youngest, Victor Kieshing is a politician like him and is currently a MLA, representing Phungyar constituency of Ukhrul district, the same constituency Rishang had represented as the chief minister.
At morning today large number of people from across the state irrespective of political party pays floral tribute to the lifeless body of the parliamentarian at his residence at Mantri Pukhri, Imphal.
Chief Minister N. Biren Singh condoled the sudden demise of former Chief Minister and Parliamentarian Shri Rishang Keishing.
In his condolence message, the Chief Minister remembered Rishang Keishing as one of the longest serving Chief Ministers of the State.
He said, “Shri Rishang Keishing’s contribution towards Manipur’s progress will always be remembered. I offer my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family of Shri Rishang Keishing.”
The Chief Minister said that ShriRishang Keishing was a people’s man and a pragmatic leader. The veteran politician was one of the oldest Parliamentarians of India, he added.
Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee also condole the demise of the veteran congress leader.
President of the Nagaland Pradesh Committee K. Therie also share his pain to the demise of the veteran leader. In his condolence message K. Therie said, “I am deeply saddened to learn of the demise of Shri. Rishang Keishing, former four-time Chief Minister. He was perhaps the longest serving Parliamentarian in the history of the World. He was also the oldest serving parliamentarian. He served as General Secretary, Nagaland Integration Council, after the 16 Point Agreement. He contested as Integration Council candidate and was defeated by those who later championed the cause. However through his illustrious career, Shri. Keishing left a treasure of political and historical relations”
A graduate from Calcutta university, Shri. Keishing served the people as Teacher, Head Master, MLA, Cabinet Minister, AICC Member, MP (Lok Sabha), MP (Rajya Sabha), Deputy Chief Minister and Chief Minister, to name a few. He had served the people for over six decades. He was the last surviving member of India’s first post-1947 Parliament and on 13th May 2012 during celebration of the 60th Anniversary of the Indian Parliament, Shri. Rishang Keishing was felicitated as the only serving Member of the 1st Lok Sabha by a host of important dignitaries led by the Hon’ble President of India. His vast experience in service to the people made him a living dictionary.
