Manipur: Founding member of United Naga Council no more

IMPHAL: Manipur’s former Minister of state for tribal affairs and veteran politician RV Mingthing from Ukhrul has passed away at his Lamphel Sanakeithel residence in Imphal, family sources said on Tuesday. 

He was 92 and he is survived by his wife, three sons and three daughters.

Mingthing was born on April 20, 1931 at Kuirei village in Ukhrul district and was staying at Lamphel Sanakeithel in Imphal.

He was the former chairman of Hill Area Committee (HAC) from 1985-1989.

Mingthing contested elections from Chingai assembly constituency under Ukhrul district and served as minister of state for Tribal Affairs and Sports from 1989 to 1990. Prior to this, he had also served as chairman, Autonomous District Council of Ukhrul District (1975-1978).  

He also held the post of acting president of Tangkhul Naga Long, an apex body of Tangkhul community from 1981-1983.

He was the founding member of United Naga Council, an apex body of Naga tribes in the state.

Mingthing also served as president, Manipur State Congress Party (MSCP) from 2004-2007, Vice President of Senior Citizen for Society Manipur and Vice President of Manipur State Scouts Union. He was also the advisor of All Manipur Students Guardian Association.

Manipur assembly speaker Thokchom Satyabrata Singh condoled the demise of veteran politician. In a condolence message, Speaker Satyabrata Singh said, “I am saddened to hear that RV Mingthing, former Manipur state congress, Minister who hailed from Ukhrul breathed his last at the age of 92 at his home at Lamphel.”

Elected from Chingai assembly constituency, Mingthing served as chairman 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, Senior citizen for society Manipur, etc. 

Chairman Dinganglung Gangmei of HAC of Manipur assembly also condoled the demise of Mingthing,former chairman of HAC. In a message, he said “I share the grief and sorrow of the bereaved family and friends.May the departed soul rest in peace,” he added.