Major Khathing remembered
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Imphal, February 28 2012: With the opening hymn "there shall be showers of blessing", the birth centenary of one of the most multi-faceted prominent stalwart of North East India Ralengnao Khathing popularly known as Major Bob Khathing was observed amidst windy environment,at his native Valley View residence along Mantripukhri Langol hill range at the outskirt of Imphal here today.

Born and brought up in Ukhrul, Major Khathing who founded 'Volunteer Guard' in NE and Nagaland Armed Police in the fifties, had also served as Minister in charge of Hills Administration in Manipur, Assistant Political Officer of the then NEFA (North East Frontier Agency)in Arunachal Pradesh, Chief Secretary of Nagaland and Indian Ambassador to Myanmar, passed away on January 12,1990 when he was 78 years old.

Manipur Governor and Chief Ministers of Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh besides the Rajya Sabha Member and a number of his close associates in the region lauded and remembered the multifaceted outstanding service of Major Bob Khathing during the day's observation.

Sharing his feeling during the day long the commemoration after listening to speeches by old time friends and students of the legend of the east including Rajya Sabha MP Rishang Keishing who was also the longest serving Chief Minister of Manipur, close associate K Prongo, former Manipur Minister AS Arthur and former Chief Justice of Chhatisgarh WA Shishak,he said Bob Khathing,by all accounts,was a very exceptional and multifaceted person.He was a man of vision and today we need such a man of vision for the country as we hardly ever find people of such kind.Governor even informed the gathering that he will be discarding his written speech.

In his speech, Rishang Keishing, who was eight years younger to late legend Major Khathing, said that what he was today is because of him.

"I was fortunate to meet him.

I'm thankful to god.

I feel that he is god inspire man", said Rishang,the oldest Rajya Sabha MP.

Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio and Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Nabam Tuki in their separate messages, which were read out in the day's centenary commemoration, also categorically lauded the wonderful services of Major Khathing both in civil and military administration. Nagaland CM's message was read out by Nagaland's Principal Secretary HK Khulu while Arunachal CM's message by John Somi R Khathing,eldest son of the late Major Khathing.

Major Khathing's younger son Dr Darlando Thanmi Khathing, who is the Vice-Chancellor of Central University of Jharkhand, daughters Mrs Leballa Khathing Gupta, who is the secretary of All India Kitchen Garden Association, New Delhi, Prof Sela N Khathing, head of English department of Shillong's Lady Keane College, son in law Ramesh Gupta, publisher of the popular North East SUN magazine were among the day's gathering.

Inspector General of Assam Rifles(South) UK Gurung, while speaking on the occasion, said, "Old timers say that even in his death has sent a message that let no one separate us when he died in the arms of Maharaja Kumar, an old friend and colleague.

His life has been a shining example for soldiers and the citizens.

He was a man with the mission and untiring hunger to achieve more than what is possible in life time.

On behalf of Assam Rifles I salute the great son of the soil" .

General further informed that Major Khathing memorial football tourney will be organized besides holding a seminar on Major Khathing's Life and Legacy on March 15 at Ukhrul, late legend's birthplace.

Along with the Governor and family members of Major Khathing, Manipur Chief Secretary DS Poonia,Major General Binoy Poonen,GOC 57 Mountain Division and dear and near ones of Major Khathing from Shillong and New Delhi attending the observation, paid floral tribute to the departed soul by laying wreaths at the picturesque Valley View.

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