Former Chief Minister Wahengbam Nipamacha passes away
Jagat leads in paying last respect
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, July 17 2012: Former Chief Minister of Manipur Wahengbam Nipamacha breathed his last at RIMS Hospital late morning today following a prolonged illness.

The 82-year old was undergoing treatment for multiple illnesses at RIMS and Shija Hospitals & Research Institute (Shija) since the beginning of July.

As mark of respect to the former Chief Minister, the State Government has declared July 18 a holiday for all offices and educational institutions under the Government of Manipur, conveyed a press release issued by the GAD Under Secretary.

It further informed that State funeral for late W Nipamacha would be held at Wangoi tomorrow.

According to some doctors who were attending on the octogenarian leader, Nipamacha was suffering from hypertension, chronic kidney disease, cardiac problem and stroke.

Nipamacha left behind his better-half namely W Maipaksana.

A procession taking the mortal remains of Nipamacha and inset the late CM

Expressing deep shock at the passing away of W Nipamacha, Governor Gurbachan Jagat in his condolence message described the former Chief Minister as a straightforward and outspoken leader whose contribution during a critical phase of the State 'will be remembered' .

Describing Nipamacha's demise as a loss for the State of Manipur, the Governor and his better-half also conveyed sorrow to the bereaved members of the family and prayed for peaceful rest of the departed soul in the heavenly abode.

Dr Th Meinya has also condoled the demise of W Nipamacha.

In a message, the MP said that his death has left a deep void in the State which will be hard to fill.

Conveying similar emotions, Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh described W Nipamacha as a rare leader who earned the love and admiration of the people for his straightforwardness, sense of public service, innate simplicity and honesty.

"In his death, the State has lost an eminent political leader and an excellent human being," said the CM in his condolence message to the bereaved family.

MPPC president and Home Minister Gaikhangam, while condoling the death of the former Chief Minister said that in his death Manipur has lost a valuable son.

While Speaker Th Lokeshwar expressed gratitude to Nipamacha for preserving sanctity of the Assembly and contributing towards enriching the democratic principles, Bharatiya Janata Party Manipur Pradesh, Joint Administrative Council of AMTUC and AMGEO, Manipur State Council Communist Party of India, Manipur people's Party and Shiv Sena Manipur State convened condolence meetings at their respective offices to mourn the demise of Nipamacha.

Samurou, Wangoi & Thongkhong Laxmi Joint WDC Members' Association and Singh Portrait Gallery (Trust), New Checkon also condoled the passing away of the former Chief Minister.

After completing MA, Nipamacha joined teaching service as an assistant teacher at Johnstone Higher Secondary School in 1960-61 and from 1964 till 1971 served as the Head Master of Wangoi High School.

After retirement from service, he joined active politics through enrolment to the Indian National Congress in 1971 and was elected to the Manipur Legislative Assembly in its second, fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh sessions.

From 1977-79, Nipa-macha was the Minister of State for Education and held the portfolios of PHE, Fisheries and Planning during the term of 5th Manipur Legislative Assembly.

He went on to become the speaker of the Legislative Assembly on March 22, 1995 before holding the top post of Chief Ministership from December 16, 1997 till February 14, 2001 .

During his long political career, Nipamacha not only played a pivotal role in the movement of youth organisation but was also closely associated with several socio-cultural organisations.

A Manipur Rifles band party led a procession of Nipamacha's mortal remains from RIMS Hospital till his native place in Wangoi Wahengbam Leikai later in the day with mourners paying their last respect to the departed soul all along the route.

Before the body was consigned to flames close to the private residence of the departed leader, Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh, Speaker Th Lokeshwar along with some Council of Ministers including Gaikhangam, Govindas Konthoujam, I Hemochandra, M Okendro, AK Mirabai and Md Abdul Nasir joined the people in offering floral tributes.

Among others former Chief Minister Radhabinod Koijam, MLA M Kunjo and many eminent personalities were also present to pay their last respects.