Manipur mourns FFM chairman Kh Kuleswar Singh; tributes pour in
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, May 21 2026: The media, film, and student fraternity of Manipur are in mourning following the sudden demise of Khangembam Kuleshwar Singh, chairman of Film Forum Manipur, who passed away on the evening of May 20 due to a brief illness.

The Manipur State Film Development Society said Kuleshwar, a nominated member of its Executive Board, had earlier served as a Director of the erstwhile Manipur Film Development Corporation.

MSFDS noted his enduring contributions to the institutional growth of Manipuri cinema, including a proposal to nurture short films with MSFDS support submitted to the Ministry of I&B.He had also urged sustained annual grants for FFM, citing its vital social role.

Kuleshwar began his career as a photojoumalist with the periodical Resistance, working with Yambem Laba and editor Tarun Thanoujam.

He emerged as a pioneer of cable television in Manipur and later served as president of ISTV.

At 68, driven by his passion for cinema, he contested and was elected chairman of Film Forum Manipur.

To honour his memory, MSFDS and the film fraternity held a candlelight memorial, praying for eternal peace.

He is survived by his wife and a son.

Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), Apunba Ireipakki Maheiroi Sinpanglup (AIMS), Manipur Youth League (MAYOL), Students' Union of Kangleipak (SUK), All Manipur Students' Union (AMSU), Meetei Erol Eyek Loinasillol Apunba Lup (MEELAL), and Apunba Manipur Matam Ishei Kanglup (AMMIK) joined in condoling the loss.

Recalling his tenure as AMSU president in 1977-78, AMSU noted he composed its official song "Epam Khambi Meihoure" and served as chief editor of its Golden Jubilee Souvenir.

As advisor of AMMIK .

former president of Manipur Electronic Journalist Union, Manipur (MEMJU), and key figure in developing ICTV into ISTV, Kuleshwar was hailed as a pillar of Manipur's media.

MAYOL remembered him as a constant guide since its formation in November 2023.Leaders described him as humble, visionary, and committed to language, culture, and youth.

AMMIK observed two minutes of silence and offered floral tributes.

All organisations said his passing is an irreparable loss to Manipur's cultural, media, and student movements, and extended solidarity to the bereaved family.

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