The Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) today observed the 9th death anniversary of former Chief Minister and veteran Congress leader Rishang Keishing at Congress Bhavan, Imphal. Floral tributes were offered to his portrait in honour of his immense contributions to the state and the nation.

The programme was attended by MPCC president K. Meghachandra, Congress Legislature Party (CLP) leader and former Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh, Congress Working Committee (CWC) member Gaikhangam, and other senior leaders along with party workers.

Rishang Keishing, one of the tallest figures in Manipur’s political history, is remembered as the longest-serving Chief Minister of the state and the longest-serving parliamentarian from Manipur. He was the first MP from the state to be elected to the Lok Sabha and also represented Manipur in the Rajya Sabha for two terms.

Speaking on the occasion, CLP leader Okram Ibobi Singh described Keishing as a statesman whose leadership and contributions were widely recognised at the national level. “Everyone knows he was the longest-serving Chief Minister of Manipur and the first MP from the state in the first Lok Sabha. His efficiency and dedication were recognized by then Prime Minister Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, who persuaded him to join the Congress Party, stating that leaders like him were vital for the development of the North East,” Ibobi recalled.

He further highlighted Keishing’s lifelong commitment to the unity and integrity of Manipur. “His dedication to preserving the integrity of the state cannot be forgotten. Till his last breath, he reminded Congress workers that Manipur must remain united and that no compromise should ever be made on its territorial integrity,” Ibobi said.

Reflecting on current politics, Ibobi also criticised the BJP’s “Congress-mukt Bharat” campaign, asserting that the future of the Congress Party lies in the hands of the people. “The people of Manipur have already shown their trust by electing Congress candidates in both Inner and Outer Parliamentary seats. Allegations and counter-campaigns by the BJP cannot decide the fate of the Congress—it is the people who will decide,” he remarked.

Other leaders present also remembered Keishing’s lifelong service to the Congress and his unwavering sacrifices for Manipur.