Many condole RV Mingthlng
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, March 29 2023: Various student bodies and civil society organisations as well as Ukhrul MLA Ram Muivah expressed deep condolences over the untimely demise of former minister RV Mingthing, who breathed his last on Tuesday at his Lamphel Sana Keithel residence.

He was 92 years of age.

RV Mingthing, elected from Chingai assembly constituency, served as chairman of Hill Areas Committee from 1985-1989.He also held various other important posts during his lifetime such as founder member of United Naga Council, Tangkhul Naga Long, vice president of Senior Citizen for Society, Manipur, etc.

Ukhrul MLA Ram Muivah also expressed his sadness over the sudden passing away of the eminent statesman RV Mingthing, who had served in different capacities as a minister and chairman of ADC, Ukhrul, Mingthing died following cardiac arrest.

In a condolence message, the MLA said, "I am deeply saddened to know the passing away of RV Mingthing.

My heart goes out to the bereaved family at this hour of grief and sorrow.

I convey my deepest condolences to 'achon' RV Ramreiwon and her children" .

He stated that at the twilight of his life, Mingthing was a champion for communal harmony, especially between the hills and the valley.

"In the demise of Mingthing, we have lost one of the tallest leaders," he added.

Ram Muivah further recalled Mingthing as a man of impeccable character, courage and conviction, a faithful husband, a loving father to his children and a fatherly figure to many.

"He lived his life to the full," he continued and quoted in his honour a Bible scripture, "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith (2 Timothy 4:7)" .

Recalling the early life of the departed statesman, he said that Mingthing started his life as a Naga Revolutionary for Naga freedom for which he spent many years behind bars in Burma (now Myanmar) and there he picked up Burmese language.

After his release from jail, he guided Gavin David Young, an intrepid war correspondent of 'The London Observer' from Burma to Nagaland in the early 1960s - the first foreign journalist to set foot in Nagaland, Ram Muivah said.

According to Ram Muivah, Gavin Young photographed an Indian Air force plane 'Dakota' which was shot down by the Naga Army.

"He (Young) also covered the aftermath and massacre at Matiikru.

Thereafter, Gavin Young, perhaps for the first time, told the outside world the untold story of the Naga people who suffered biblical proportions in a series of articles in The London Observer".

Later on, Gavin Young's book 'The Nagas: An Unknown War India s Threat to Peace' became one of the best sellers.

"Thereafter, together with (late) MP Suisa Rungsung, Mingthing was instrumental in the release of the Indian hostages, pilots and crew members of 'Dakota' after nearly a year in the custody of the Naga Army," he added.

In separate releases, Democratic Students' Alliance of Manipur (DESAM), Federation of Civil Society Organisations (FOCS), Manipur, Scheduled Tribe Demand Committee of Manipur, Senior Citizens for Society, Imphal and Lainingthou Sanamahi Temple Board prayed for peace rest of the departed soul and also shared the grief and sorrow of the bereaved family and friends.

On the other hand, as advised by Manipur titular king Leishemba Sanajaoba, Uttra Shan glen, Sana Konung custom secretary general Wangkhei Lakpa and Khabam Lakpa attended the last rites of Mingthing at Lanthung Ching cemetery, Langol on Wednesday.

In a release, Uttra Shanglen informed that Lengon-fi of Seven 'Salai' was draped on the mortal remains of Mingthing as a mark of respect to the departed soul.

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