AS Arthur laid to rest in native village
Source: The Sangai Express / Mungchan Zimik

Mungchan Zimik, May 05 2026: Former Minister AS Arthur, who passed away on May 2, was laid to rest at his native village at Shangshak Phunghon, Ukhrul today.

Thousands of people from different walks of life gathered at the village ground to pay their last tribute and tearful adieu to the departed Tangkhul leader.

The last rites saw a grand memorial service moderated by Yursem Vashim Assistant Pastor of Shangshak Baptist Church and an act of committal performed by Rev AS Themreishang Zimik as the minister of the funeral service.

Womgam Kabo, Pastor Chunga Baptist Church, delivered an eulogy to Late AS Arthur before the congregation during a condolence programme.

Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen has also condoled the demise of the former Minister.

The District Congress Committee members and the family's well wishers and Tangkhul Zimikshang expressed their gratitude for the nonagenarian for his valuable services towards the society, particularly the Tangkhul community.

AS Arthur was bom on February 9, 1927 at Shangshak village.

Arthur was the first matriculate of the village.

He went on to study Science in Calcutta and later taught students at the Tangkhul Christian High School Ukhrul (now Govt Higher Secondary School Ukhrul) as a Science teacher.

He stayed in Delhi starting 1953, and later in 1958, he was selected as a member of the first Commissioner's team of Naga Hills Tuensang Area (NHTA), and inducted into the Nagaland Civil Services in 1961 .

Arthur began his political journey in 1984 after his retirement from service.

He was elected as an MLA from Ukhrul Constituency, and was appointed as the Minister of Forest and GAD in 1995.He joined the Congress party in 1989, and remained its member till his last breath.

Arthur was a devoted Christian, a man of prayer and faith.

He played pivotal roles in a mission to bring peace and settlements between the Nagas and Government of India between 1983 and 1989.Among his seven children, Alfred Arthur is the incumbent Member of Parliament representing the Outer Manipur Constituency.

Condoling the demise of As Arthur, Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen said the veteran politician's life was marked by unwavering dedication to public service and the welfare of the people.

"His invaluable contributions and exemplary leadership will always be remembered with profound respect and gratitude," Kipgen said in a condolence message.

"I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones.

May they find strength and comfort during this difficult time.

May his soul rest in eternal peace," she added.

Several Kuki civil society organisations (CSOs) and student bodies in Ukhrul district also issued separate statements mourning his demise.

The Kuki Students' Organisation, Ukhrul (KSO-U) described the late leader as a distinguished public servant who dedicated his life to governance and welfare, stating that his leadership and values remain a guiding example.

The Kuki Inpi Ukhrul, the apex body of Kuki tribes in the district, said Arthur served with distinction both as a bureaucrat and political leader, contributing significantly to the affairs of the State and its people.

The Kuki CSO Working Committee, Ukhrul, in a tribute message, highlighted his legacy of service and commitment to unity, responsibility and harmony, noting that representatives of Kuki organisations paid their last respects as a mark of solidarity.

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