MLA Wungnaoshang Keishing no more
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, October 08 2011: Phungyar Assembly Constituency MLA Wungnaoshang Keishing passed away today morning at Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences (JNIMS) hospital due following a personal ailment.

He was only 54.Wungnaoshang, who left behind his wife and four children including two sons, reportedly complained of not feeling well and was rushed to the Hospital from his official quarters in Babupara.

Born on October 13, the independent MLA failed to respond to treatment and breathed his last at around 6.30 am.

Among others, he is informed to be a diabetes patient and battling from hyper tension.

After his mortal remains were brought back to the Babupara quarter, Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh, Speaker I Hemochandra, the Council of Ministers, MLAs and members of Ukhrul Autonomous District Council arrived to pay their last respect to the Legislator as well as convey solidarity to the bereaved family, amid prayers and rituals.

Family members mourn the demise of Wungnaoshang and condolence meet at Delhi

The young politician is the sixth legislator of the state to have died within the five year period of the current 9th Manipur Legislative Assembly.

The others were Th Nabakumar of Khundrakpam AC, M Manindra of Moirang AC, Konthoujam AC's S Budhichandra and father-son legislator duo of E Kunjeshore and E Suraj of Yaiskul AC.

Wungnaoshang's mortal remains will be kept at the quarters tonight and at 11 am the same will be brought to the Assembly where members of the house will pay their last respect after which it is scheduled to be taken to his native place at Kongkan village under Kamjong sub-division of Ukhrul district where the body will be laid to rest.

elected for the first time to the (eighth) Manipur Legislative Assembly from Phungyar AC on a Manipur State Congress Party (MSCP) ticket defeating seasoned politician and former Chief Minister Rishang Keishing, Wungnaoshang was the Minister of State (Independent charge) for Fisheries and Government Press from 2002 to 2003 .

He was in charge of Excise and Jail Administration portfolios from 2003 till 2004, as well as chairman of the Assembly's Committee on Public Grievances/Petition in 2006 .

Wungnaoshang contested the 9th Manipur Legislative Assembly election from the same constituency as an independent candidate and was re-elected by Phungyar AC electorate as their representative for the second successive term.

He rejoined MPSC recently and was preparing for the forthcoming 10th Legislative Assembly elections but his aspiration will remain unfulfilled.

Wungnaoshang was in the Indian National Congress fold for a brief period during which he was vice president of Manipur Pradesh Congress Youth Committee and treasurer of Phungyar Kendra Block Congress Committee.

He was also general secretary of MSCP from 1998 to 2002 .

An ardent supporter of the Naga integration ideology, Wungnaoshang attended a public session held at Senapati district headquarters in connection with the demand for single administration of all Naga inhabited areas as well as on declaration of severing all ties with the Government of Manipur.

He also took part in the Kohima rally on Naga integration and was a signatory of the said agenda.

His cordial relationships with some influential Naga bodies suffered a setback when he took the lead in voicing the creation of Phungyar district by bifurcating Ukhrul district.

A public congregation held recently at Palace Compound here in connection with the prevailing political scenario in Phungyar AC had endorsed Wungnaoshang to rejoin and contest the coming election on an MSCP ticket.

The late MLA escaped an ambush laid by NSCN (IM) cadres on April 15 this year at near New Canaan village while he was returning to Imphal after attending a programme on AIDS awareness.

Including his security escort seven persons lost their lives in the ambush.

Soon after hearing demise of Wungnaoshang the MSCP presided by its president Y Mani convened a condolence meeting during which a minute's silence was observed to mourn the death and conveyed solidarity to the bereaved family.

The Phungyar Block Congress Committee also expressed sorrow at the demise of the MLA.

The Tangkhul Katamnao Saklong also condoled the untimely death of Wungnaoshang Keishing.

Ninglun Hanghal adds from Delhi : Expressing sorrow over the sudden demise of Wungnaoshang Keishing a condolence meeting led by MLA and Hill Areas Committee chairman Thangminlien Kipgen, was held at the Manipur Bhawan in New Delhi today afternoon.

Other MLAs present were Morung Makunga, Doukhomang Khongsai, Awangbou Newmai, Hangkhanlian, Surchandra Singh , Holkholet Kipgen, U.Deven Singh and MP Th Meinya.

Staff and officials of the Bhawan were also present.

Speaking about the late W.Keishing, his life and contribution the HAC chairman Kipgen prayed for peace and strength in such times of sorrow for the grieving families.

Dr Th Meinya also recalled his interactions with the late MLA.