PM Modi and others condole the demise of former Manipur chief minister Rishang Keishing

"Condolences on demise of ex-CM of Manipur Shri Rishang Keishing. A veteran political leader & member of first Lok Sabha  #PresidentKovind", was tweeted by the office of the President of India Ramnath Kovind.

Rishang Keishing, 96, passed away on Tuesday, at the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences Hospital in, Imphal, Manipur. Manipur’s capital Imphal.

The veteran Congress leader was a member of the first Lok Sabha.

He is survived by his wife, three sons and two daughters.

“The demise of Mr. Rishang Keishing leaves a great void in the politics of the Northeast, a region he served with great diligence. My thoughts are with the family and well-wishers of Mr. Rishang Keishing in this sad hour," the Prime Minister said.

People from various walks of life have expressed their condolences too.

Congress president, Sonia Gandhi, said that she was deeply saddened by the demise of one of the senior most leaders "with a sterling record of public service of nearly 70 years and who was member of India’s first Parliament,” according to media reports.

On his official Twitter handle, Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi said, "I mourn demise of one of tallest leaders from Northeast, MP in 1st LS & 4-time CM of #Manipur Sri Rishang Keishing. My condolences to family."

Rajnath Singh, Union Home Minister, said, "Shri Rishang Keishing was a towering leader from Manipur who believed in humanity, social harmony & clean politics.I'm pained by his demise. I offer my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family of Shri Keishing. My thoughts are with his family in this hour of grief."

Chief Minister of West Bengal Mamata Banerjee tweeted, "Saddened at the passing of Rishang Keishing a long-serving CM of Manipur in the 1980s,former RS MP.Condolences to his family & wellwishers."

Tarun Gogoi, former chief minister of Assam, tweeted, "My Condolences on the demise of veteran congressman, Former CM of Manipur & Rajya Sabha MP Rishang Keishing. May his soul rest in peace."

Former chief minister of Kerala, Oommen Chandy tweeted, " Heartfelt condolences to Shri Rishang Keishing, Sr Congress leader, former Rajya Sabha MP & ex-CM of Manipur. May his soul Rest In Peace."

Tweeted historian Ramachandra Guha, "Rishang Keishing strove heroically for peace between Nagas and the Government, as in this Lok Sabha speech of 1956."

Himanta Biswa Sarma, minister from Assam, tweeted, "I mourn demise of one of tallest leaders from Northeast, MP in 1st LS & 4-time CM of #Manipur Sri Rishang Keishing. My condolences to family."

However, MP Shashi Tharoor while expressing his condolences, also complained about the the role of the media. He tweeted, "Mourning the passing of Rishang Keishing, longtime MP &CM of Manipur, aged 97. Death of legendary nationalist deserved more attn from media!"

Manipur has announced three days of mourning, according to media reports.

All state government offices and educational institutions remained closed on Wednesday as a mark of respect to the departed leader.

Image: OommenChandy/Twitter