RPF condoles demise of retired cadre Yangambam Ongbi Nongmaithem Ibeyaima @ Madam Rina

The proscribed Revolutionary People’s Front (RPF) has expressed deep condolence over the demise of its retired cadre, 2nd Lieutenant Yangambam Ongbi Nongmaithem Ibeyaima, also known as Madam Rina, who passed away on January 10, 2026, at around 2.10 pm after a brief illness. She was 71.
In a condolence statement issued by Bangkim, Assistant Secretary, Publicity, Revolutionary People’s Front, it was stated that Madam Rina was serving as Member on Special Duty in the Social, Health and Family Welfare Department of the organisation till her last breath. She had been associated with the Revolutionary People’s Front for several decades as part of the freedom struggle.
Yangambam Ongbi Nongmaithem Ibeyaima was born on April 11, 1954, to Nongmaithem Pakchao and late Nongmaithem Ongbi Kundorei at Moirang Kampu Sajeb Makha Leikai in Imphal East district. She was the second daughter among eight siblings, comprising four brothers and four sisters. From childhood, she was known for her compassionate nature, discipline and sense of responsibility, qualities that shaped her later life of commitment and service.
She received her early education at Top Dushra High School, Moirang Kampu, and passed the Matriculation Examination before pursuing the Pre-University Course at Modern College. Influenced from a young age by the ideals of resistance and sacrifice, she extended support and shelter to cadres of the RPF, sharing whatever little resources she had with dedication and warmth.
In October 1982, placing the collective cause above personal considerations, she joined the People’s Liberation Army (PLA). The statement recalled that she later proceeded to the Kachin region, where she underwent rigorous hardships during the journey and received basic military training from the Kachin Independence Army. She subsequently served as a member of the Women Army Force of the Kachin Independence Army and later worked as a clerk in the General Staff Office, discharging her duties with sincerity despite difficult conditions.
Madam Rina was described as an exemplary Meetei woman of strong character, humility and clarity of thought. She was known for her calm demeanour, disciplined lifestyle, ability to work harmoniously with others and her habit of guiding younger cadres through thoughtful words and personal example. She participated in the first and second party congresses held in 1990 and 2008.
In 1990, she played a significant role in organising political awareness activities among the people of Manipur and was actively involved in initiatives leading to the observance of Athouba Singgi Ningsing Numit on April 13. Following the first party congress, she also contributed to income-generating industrial initiatives aimed at strengthening the organisation’s financial base. In 2007, as chairperson of the Family Committee under the Social, Health and Family Welfare Department, she worked to address issues concerning families associated with the movement and to provide guidance on social well-being.
The RPF stated that condolence meetings were held across its units, departments and stations to honour her lifelong commitment to the cause of the land and its people. The organisation, along with its army wing PLA, extended solidarity to the bereaved family members, relatives and well-wishers of the late Yangambam Ongbi Nongmaithem Ibeyaima, remembering her as a devoted cadre whose life was dedicated to service and struggle.