Veteran scribe Khollao Deben passes away
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, September 08 2022: Chief Minister N Biren Singh has extended his deepest condolence over the demise of veteran journalist Nongmaithem Deben Singh, popularly known as Khollao Deben, at his residence in Keishampat Leimajam Leikai this morning.

Stating that Nongmaithem Deben was one of the founding members of the All Manipur Working Journalists' Union (AMWJU) and Manipur Press Club, the Chief Minister added that Khollao Deben had served as a noted journalist in different newspapers in different capacities during his career, which spanned over four decades since the 1970s.Condoling his demise, Chief Minister N Biren Singh also shared the grief of the bereaved family while adding that in his death, the State and the media fraternity has lost an upright journalist.

Veteran scribe Khollao Deben passes away

In a statement, All Manipur Working Journalists' Union (AMWJU) and the Editors' Guild, Manipur (EGM) also condoled the demise of Nongmaithem Deben.

He was 75 and is survived by his wife and three daughters. The statement shared that Nongmaithem Deben was born on July 16, 1947 at Keishampat Leimajam Leikai.

He was the youngest out of 6 children.

N Deben also worked as the Bureau Chief of The Sangai Express.

The management and staff held a condolence meeting at its office today and mourned the passing away of the veteran journalist.

AMWJU and EGM also organised a condolence meeting at Manipur Press Club, Majorkhul this afternoon to honour the deceased veteran journalist.

According to a statement, the mortal remains of Nongmaithem Deben were transported to the venue wherein the gathering observed a one-minute silence and paid floral tributes to honour the deceased.

Many prominent members of AMWJU, Editors' Guild Manipur, CPI and CPI (M) attended the condolence meeting.

Speaking on the occasion, Wangkhemcha Shamjai said that Nongmaithem Deben was a seasoned journalist who was instrumental in bringing AMWJU to its current state.

His demise is an irreparable loss to the media fraternity, he added.

With regard to his career, the AMWJU and EGM informed that N Deben joined 'Khollao' newspaper as a Joint Editor in 1969.He played a key role in setting up AMWJU and went on to work in several newspapers, namely, Hueiyen Lanpao, The Sangai Express and Imphal Free Press.

Manipur State Council, Communist Party of India (MSC/CPI) also extended their condolence at the passing away of Khollao Deben in a press release.

According to a statement, prominent party leaders of MSC/CPI including L Thoiren, State secretary MSC/CPI; M Joykumar, assistant secretary MSC/CPI; L Sotinkumar, former secretary MSC/CPI and S Gopeshwar, secretary, Imphal City District Council MSC/CPI among others attended the condolence meeting organised by AMWJU.

MSC/CPI also shared the grief of the family while stating that the veteran journalist's demise is an unimaginable loss to the community.

Separately, a statement issued by the Communist Party of India (M), Manipur State Committee also condoled the demise of Nongmaithem Deben.

CPI (M) shared that a floral tribute was paid to the mortal remains of Nongmaithem Deben this afternoon led by W Shamjai, president AMWJU, Kshetrimayum Santa, secretary CPI (M) and many journalists and sympathisers at the condolence meeting held in Manipur Press Club.

CPI (M) added that Nongmaithem Deben was active in leftist student politics and subsequently became a member of CPI in the late 1960s.He also served as the secretary of CPI, Keishamthong Local Committee for several terms, the statement added.

CPI (M) has also extended its heartfelt condolences to the deceased's family.