August 23, 2017: Former Manipur Chief Minister and a member of the first Lok Sabha Rishang Keishing passed away today following brief illness in Imphal. The veteran Congress leader was 96. Keishing, a Naga, served as the chief minister of Manipur from 1980 to 1988 and from 1994 to 1997.
Doctors attending him at the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) said, Keishing passed away around 8.15 pm due to multiple organ failure. He was hospitalized on July 1 after his health condition worsened.He is survived by two sons and four daughters.
The Manipur government has declared that all government offices and educational institutions will be closed tomorrow as mark of respect to Keishing.
Home Minister Rajnath Singh condoled the demise of Keishing, and described him as a towering leader from Manipur who believed in humanity, social harmony and clean politics.
Union minister of state for home Kiren Rijiju also expressed grief. In a twitter post, Rijiju remarked that despite being 96-year-old, Keishing remained so fit till date.
Manipur Governor Najma Heptulla expressed her sadness and condoled the demise of Keishing. Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi also mourned Keishing’s demise. (AIR News)
