Manipur News

Rishang’s body laid to rest at Mantripukhri

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Aug 24

A pall of gloom descended over the Mantripukhri residence of the former chief minister, Rishang Keishing as his body was laid to rest this afternoon. A sizable number of cross-sections of people including the chief minister, N. Biren were present to pay their last respect.

Several Cabinet colleagues of the chief minister, including deputy chief minister Y. Joykumar, MLAs, top civil and police officers, family members along with their well-wishers took part in the funeral service of the late parliamentarian.

The gathering observed two-minute silence, followed by gun salute by a contingent of the Indian Reserved Battalion as mark of honour to the departed leader.

Speaking to the media on the sidelines of the funeral service, N. Biren said the nation has loss a tall leader whose guiding light had shown path to many. “The late leader always worked towards uniting the people of the state cutting across religion and ethnic affiliations”, he said, adding “he had wanted us to stay united under one roof”.

On being asked on the last minute change of the funeral site of the late leader out of pressure from the NSCN (IM), Biren brushed aside the question stating that he had just arrived from a tour and had no idea about it.

It may be mentioned that the funeral service was earlier planned to take place at Bungpa village, under Kamjong district the birth place of Rishang. There has been unconfirmed report of NSCN (IM) prohibiting the funeral at the late leader’s native village.

Further the chief minister said the contribution made by the late parliamentarian will never be forgotten. “He had expressed satisfaction on the effort made by the new government to unite the hills and the valley. He advised me never to look back”, added N. Biren.  

Earlier a memorial service was held at the MBC Centre Church in the morning. Speaking on the occasion, work minister, Th. Biswajit said that there will be everlasting peace and harmony in the state if the people of the state follow the ideology of the veteran political leader, Rishang Keishang.

The demise of Rishang is a big loss for the whole country, and no one in the world can replace him, said the minister.

Former chief minister, Okram Ibobi said that till his last breath Rishang was concerned about the welfare and unity of the people of the state.

“Rishang was a man of principle and punctuality, and besides he had great patience, and such quality made him one of the greatest politician leaders ever,” added Ibobi.

He can be referred as the teacher of many politician of the state as he gave lots of valuable advice and suggestions to most of the politician, continued the former chief minister.

Among others, Irrigation and Flood Control minister, Letpao Haokip, MLA, L. Radhakishore, BJP spokesperson, former MLA O. Joy, Lok Sabha MP, Thangso Baite, Lok Sabha MP, Thokchom  Meinya  along with others opposition MLAs attended the funeral service.

The memorial service was also attended by MBC general secretary, W. Konghar as minister and MBC Central Church, pastor, L. Simon Raomai as master of the ceremony.

Manipur Pradesh Congress party also paid tribute to Rishang Keishing at the Congress Bhavan, BT Road. Leaders and workers of the party gathered to pay tribute to the leader, whose body was brought to the Party office before the funeral service.

IMPHAL | Aug 24

The State Food Safety commissioner, government of Manipur has notified that all the food business operators in eleven districts namely, Ukhrul, Tamenglong, Senapati, Kamjong, Noney, Kangpokpi, Chandel, Pherzwal, Kakching, Tengnoupal and Jiribam to avail the online services for food licence/registration and comply with the provisions of Food Safety Standards Act, 2006 and Rules and Regulations, 2011, said a release.

It said that manual applications will not be entertained by the State Licensing and Registering Authority for food license/registration for the eleven districts of the state in which online services have been launched.