IMPHAL, October 9: The mortal remains of Phungyar assembly constituency MLA Wungnaoshang Keishing who died yesterday early morning following cardiac arrest has reached his native village of Kongkan in the evening today accompanied by his family and supporters. However the last rite of the late MLA will be performed tomorrow.
Following the threat from the militant outfit NSCN (IM), the body of the late MLA left Imphal this afternoon around 1:30pm amidst tight security measure provided by the state home department. Soon after the news of his dead spread, according to a news agency, the NSCN (IM) had said that the outfit will not allow the dead body of Wungnaoshang Keishing to be buried at ‘Nagalim’.
Meanwhile, before being taken to his native village Kongkan, a condolence service was organized at his Babupara official quarter, attended by his well wishers, supporters including ex-MP BD Behring, ex-minister Francis Ngajokpa, rural development and panchayati raj minister Md Allaudin Khan, health minister Jayantakumar and executive members of MSCP among others.
After the service, his body was taken to the Manipur Legislative Assembly complex, where a befitting honour was paid.
As a mark of honour, the state legislators led by the state Chief Minister O Ibobi and including speaker I Hemochandra laid floral wreaths upon the dead body of the MLA.
A two minute silence was also observed in memory of the late MLA and a befitting gun salute was also given by jawans of the Manipur Rifles.
“Full proof security cover will be provided for the late MLA’s journey towards his native village where his last rite will be performed amidst the warning of the NSCN-IM”, the Chief Minister told mediapersons.
A condolence message on behalf of the state Assembly was given by I Hemochandra
Meanwhile, a reports issued by the Newmai News Network late in the evening has said that the NSCN-IM has reviewed its earlier decision over the denial of Wungnaoshang Keishing in Naga areas.
It has stated that “Notwithstanding the restrictions for burial in Nagalim, the mortal remains of late Wungnaoshang Keishing, ex-MLA, on the intervention of the United Naga Council (UNC) and Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL), the family members of the deceased having admitted to the mistakes committed by him against the Naga nation and the Naga people and thereby tendering due apology for forgiveness, the Government of the People’s Republic of Nagalim hereby absolve the said strictures,” the NSCN-IM said today.