Our Correspondent
IMPHAL, January 12
The Manipur Deputy Chief Gaikhangam, former Chief Ministers Rishang Keishing, Radhabinod Koijam,rural development minister Francis Ngajokpa and parliamentary secretary Victor keishing and other GOC 57 mountain division,IG Assam Rifles(south) and a number of dignitaries from the region remembered the outstanding service of Ralengnao Khathing, a stalwart of the North East, on his 25th death anniversary celebration held at ‘Valley View’ atop Mantripukhri hill range today on the outskirts of Imphal under the aegis of his family members.Popularly known as Major Bob Khathing who founded the village guard force in the North East and Nagaland Armed Police in the 1950s, he had served as the Minister in charge of Hills Administration in Manipur, Political Officer of the then NEFA (North East Frontier Agency) in Arunachal Pradesh, Chief Secretary of Nagaland and Indian Ambassador to Myanmar. He passed away on January 12, 1990 at the age of 78 years. He was honoured with the Padmashree in 1957.
“As his eldest son, it is not for me to stand here and sing his praises at this point of time.The family members know the standards and values he set not only for himself but for us as well-and we try to live up to these standards,” says John Khathing, former Chief Commissioner (customs central excise and service tax)NE region in his welcome note.“Major Ralengnao ‘Bob’ Khathing never forgot his roots and he loved his state-Manipur. He was a true son of the soil.”
Expressing the need to do something from the state government side to remember two great personalities of the land - MK Priyobarta and Bob Khathing as their age old relationship gives us the message that both the people in hills and valley are one, Gaikhangam said,“I will discuss the matter with the honourable chief minister who is presently in Delhi to honour the great personalities by the present generation." "Not only praying by offering floral tribute, we should to follow their footsteps," Gaikhangam who holds the home affairs portfolio added.
Thanking the gathering for giving him the opportunity to remember the multifaceted person on his death anniversary, 96-year-old former Rajya Sabha MP and chief minister Rishang Keishing, said, “He is 7 and half years older than me. I think he was used by almighty god to serve the people of Manipur."
Principal Secretary (CADA/Agriculture) Ram Muivah, Manipur government's consultant RK Nimai who is the nephew of Late MK Priyobarta, Bob Khathing's nephew from Raleng clan, IG Assam Rifles Major General Chopra also spoke on occasion. Five highest mark achiever students among Tangkhuls in the Matriculation and 10+2 examinations were also honoured by giving citations and cash awards ranging from Rs 7,500 to Rs 20,000 during the occasion. Major Khathing’s close associate K Prongo, former Minister AS Arthur,Prof Gangmumei Kamei and the relatives of Major Khathing from Shillong and New Delhi besides others also attended the 25th death anniversary.
