Imphal, August 22: The Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) on Friday observed the 9th death anniversary of former Chief Minister and veteran Congress leader Rishang Keishing at Congress Bhavan, Imphal. Senior party leaders and workers paid floral tributes to his portrait, recalling his immense contributions to the state and the nation.
MPCC president K. Meghachandra, CLP leader Okram Ibobi Singh, CWC member Gaikhangam, and other senior leaders were present at the solemn ceremony. Remembered as one of the tallest figures in Manipur’s political history, Rishang Keishing holds the distinction of being the state’s longest-serving Chief Minister and parliamentarian. He was also the first MP from Manipur elected to the Lok Sabha and served two terms in the Rajya Sabha.
Speaking on the occasion, Okram Ibobi Singh described Keishing as a true statesman whose dedication was recognized by former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, who persuaded him to join the Congress. “He remained steadfast in his commitment to Manipur’s unity and integrity, reminding us till his last breath that no compromise should ever be made on the state’s territorial integrity,” Ibobi said.
The Congress leader also used the platform to criticize the BJP’s “Congress-mukt Bharat” campaign, asserting that the people of Manipur had already reaffirmed their trust in the party by electing Congress MPs from both Inner and Outer Parliamentary constituencies. “The fate of the Congress lies in the people’s hands, not in the propaganda of rivals,” he added.
