NEW DELHI, Aug 23 - President Ram Nath Kovind today condoled the demise of former Manipur Chief Minister and Member of the first Lok Sabha Rishang Keishing. The veteran Congress leader passed away in Imphal yesterday due to multiple-organ failure, reports PTI.
Spl Correspondent adds: Prime Minister Narendra Modi also condoled the death of Keishing saying the death created a void in the politics of North East. �The demise of Keishing leaves a great void in the politics of the region, a region he served with great diligence,� Modi tweeted. �My thoughts are with the family and well-wishers of Keishing in this sad hour,� the Prime Minister added.
Congress President Sonia Gandhi has also condoled the demise of Keishing. The Congress President said that she is �deeply saddened by the demise of one of the senior most leaders with a sterling record of public service of nearly 70 years.�
Gandhi offered her prayers and condolences to friends, family and people of Manipur at this loss and expressed hope that his �good work and endearing commitment to people will always find a place in the working of future generations.�
Imphal Correspondent adds: Remembering one of the tallest leaders of the country for his selfless service, people cutting across the party line and religion on Wednesday paid floral tributes to the departed soul of Rishang Keishing, former Chief Minister of Manipur and Member of the first Lok Sabha at his Mantripukhuri residence in Imphal. Manipur Governor Dr Najma Heptulla, former Chief Minister and Opposition leader O Ibobi Singh, President of Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee TN Haokip, BJP Manipur Pradesh leaders, Ministers, MLAs, Ex-MPs, Ex-MLAs, and religious leaders turned up to pay floral tributes to the departed soul this morning.
Speaking to media, Governor Dr Heptulla said that she had a great respect for Rishang for his in-depth knowledge in politics. �The gap he had left cannot be filled,� she said.
In his condolence message, Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh, who is out of station, said, �Keishing was a people�s man and a pragmatic leader. His contribution towards the State will always be remembered. I offer my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family.� Terming his demise as a �great loss� for the State, Ibobi said, �His distinguished service and guidance during crucial and critical times will always be remembered.�
Meanwhile, Manipur Government has already announced a three-day State mourning as a mark of respect to the departed soul. According to family sources, the mortal remains of Keishing will be taken to Congress Bhavan and Manipur Baptist Convention premises tomorrow and thereafter his last rites will be performed.
Keishing died at Regional Institute of Medical Sciences hospital in Imphal around 8.15 pm on Tuesday following multiple-organ failure.
