Salute Thingnam Kishan and his spirit: February 2009

Monday, 2nd March 2009, Sanjay Barbora wrote:
February 18, 2009: In one of those tragic examples of synchronicity, I woke up with a desire to send my old friend and comrade, Thingnam Kishan a nasty mail for not keeping in touch. Just then, his cousin called me from Imphal to say that he had been missing for three days. In a matter of minutes, we were all trying to connect dots and trace him. I did not worry much, for Kishan always had an anarchic streak in him. One would not see, or hear from him for years and suddenly he would pop up like some genie, waving agitatedly and trying to string together a coherent sentence from the recesses of his fertile mind. I assumed this would be another such moment. That when he appeared online, on gmail’s chat window, he would tap out furious apologies and explain just how busy and chaotic his life had been.

His cousin called again in the afternoon. She choked back tears and said that his body was in the morgue. This was February 18, 2009. He had been missing for a few days prior to the day his friend identified his body, head bludgeoned in with a spade, or some other blunt object. With him were five of his colleagues, three of whom were killed in a similar manner. News from Manipur poured in and as most of us who had known Kishan tried to come to terms with the brutal murder; we were also confronted with a possible communal polarisation. Had he been alive, he would have screamed as only he could: “Not in my name! No man… no communal mobilisation with me as the dead helmsman”.

We liked those words. Back in the 1990s when he, a few other friends and I scrounged for money for a decent meal to break the monotony of hostel food, we addressed each other – with all sincerity – as “comrades”. We were not affiliated to any student organisation from the tolerated Marxist groups. Even the radical left eyed us with caution and with good reason perhaps. Kishan and the rest of us were unpredictable and without an iota of puritanical discipline that is asked of South Asian Leftists. We were satisfied to be in the fringes, organising study groups to discuss Capital (Volume I, always Volume I because we never went beyond the chapter on “value”).

As we dissected the true meaning of the chapter – adhering to our ideological proximity to Lenin and Mao – Kishan would happily announce that he preferred to be “non-aligned”, throw caution to the wind and declare his preference for ideologies closer to the Black Flag of anarchism. “There is something not quite right with the vanguard thing”, he would say, without bothering to qualify, much to our collective dismay. But over the course of the day, he would participate in our world of helmsmen and great leaders, with the abandonment of an unruly but brave child. What cemented his place in our rather amorphous collective was an unwavering commitment to everything related Manipur. He would sift through information, discussions and debates, in ways that made sense to his world that was centred on the complicated political and cultural landscape of Manipur. Sometimes, he would be the first to laugh at his simplistic readings of history but they came from such a deep conviction that we let it pass.

We had lost touch, like all college and university friends do. I met him again a few years ago on a hot day in Imphal. It was one of those brief meetings, so charged with energy that it yields a plethora of ideas, making distances and time seem immaterial. I wanted to congratulate him on editing his cutting edge journal on critical issues in Manipur. He was not satisfied and wanted to write more. We discussed the need to move away from the given script of exclusionist political mobilisation and the selective use of history in garnering power. He spoke of shared histories, shared visions and a need to transform the current political discourse in the region. To this effect, he suggested that we work on the epistemic break in the movements and mobilisation on the issue of autonomy in Manipur.

It was a bold idea. It hinged on the kind of negotiations that went into the making the first constitution of post-British Manipur and comparing them to the kind of deliberations that followed the merger with India in 1949. As usual, we had not idea where this though was headed and if indeed it would help us move away from the received scripts that act as political manifestos in Northeast India. Then, characteristically, he went off the radar. I heard that he was agitating with other colleagues for regularisation of jobs in the public service commission, including Manipur University. He resurfaced again last year, calling from Faridabad of all places, following yet another tragic loss of life that had our dispersed collective in tears and momentarily blinded by grief. While the rest of us called one another and cried angrily about yet another extra-judicial execution of an acquaintance in Manipur—knowing that justice would never be done – Kishan alone sounded firm and resolute about the course of action he was going to follow. He had joined the civil services, he announced, much to my confusion. Surely he, of all people, would recognise the fallacy of the argument that “one upright person can make a difference to a corrupt system”. But he really believed and it was his old uncomplicated conviction at work again.

I suppose if he were corrupt, he would be alive today. I wonder if he knew just how circumscribed our political horizons have become?

Kishan was far too smart to not understand that alternate political voices in the so-called Northeast have been hemmed-in by a combination of Machiavellian statecraft and greed.

Having said that, he was optimistic enough to believe in the eventual triumph of the human spirit. For me, I shall always remember my wild haired friend and remind myself that he would not approve of complacence and self-indulgence. He would want me to pick myself up and believe that something good can come out of the worst tragedies. I shall never stop trying….

Sanjay (Xonzoi) Barbora

Saturday, 28th Feb 2008, Haobam Sonamani wrote:
“A HUMBLE TRIBUTE TO OJA KISHAN “

The poem “the road not taken” by Robert Frost reminds me of OJA KISHAN

As a college lecturer, he might have taught this beautiful poems many a times in life, there are two types of roads THE MORE TRAVELLED ROAD and the LESS TRAVELLED ROAD, and only few could take the less travelled road as only the risk LOVERS can only take such unpredictable road. For OJA KISHAN,

He took the less travelled road to deliver justice to the people of KASSOM KHULLEN and even sacrifice his DEAR LIFE, no amount of words can measure the SACRIFCE of OJA KISHAN; to me it is a great SACRIFICE for JUSTICE.

As for me, I know OJA KISHAN as a teacher, as a friend, as a dedicated social worker, as a true Marxist, as a writer, as motivator, as a scholar, as a champion of moral, social and traditional values and as ruthless fighter for equity and justice. We loving called him OJA KISHAN (sir kishan). In his short lived career HE work as a college lecturer at SHYAMLAL COLLEGE, DM, MDCA, MU, and as an Associate professor MU for English literature and finally joined the MCS on 16th August, he wrote many articles and also published some books. He was also the main founding member of the journal “alternative
perspective “

And worked as its editor until his unfortunate demise on the 16th Feb 2009. He was also a great politician in the making with inborn oratory skills.

One great thing about OKA KISHAN is that he appreciated divergence of views, ideas and opinion. Honestly speaking my ECONOMIC ideology is bit different from that of OJA KISHAN, however this does not mean that I don’t regard and appreciate his ideology. In fact he predicted the recent global financial crisis long time back when he stated the journal “alternative perspective”. What I argued with HIM most is on the issue and many new things when I argue with him, we also argued
many time on the issue of trickled down thesis and his main argument was on the duration of the trickles down thesis

This different natural as we come through different paths in our struggle, the paths may be different but the end are the same as we have the same destination that is welfare and justice to all in an equitable manner. To see MANIPUR as a land when the laymen get the justice is the main goal in life OJA KISHAN

Main slogan is “JUSTICE CANNOT BE ONLY FOR THE HAVE AND THE STRONG“ but it should be delivering to all and it is possible only when all have the equal access to basic necessities of life. Indeed OJA KISHAN!!

Sacrifice his life to deliver justice to the laymen of KASSOM KHULLEN. One man from kassom khullen cried how a son would live when his caring and loving FATHER was brutally murdered. It was through OJA KISHAN that the people of KASSOM KHULLEN got accessibility to the CYBER WORLD. To him this might be a small step, but for the people of KASSOM KHULLEN it is a giant step, he was so concerned about the welfare of KASSOM KHULLEN that he did not follow the DICTATION from his SUPERIOR authority and even from the UNDERGROUND, and ultimately paid his life. IF ONLY ALL THE CIVIL SERVANTS ARE LIKE HIM, the ideal state mention
in the books would have been easily achieved

I feel his great traits made other people jealous and consider HIM as a grave danger to their EVIL motive, and consequently they eliminated HIM. The terminator of OJA KISHAN WOULD HAVE NEVER IMAGINED HIS LOST IS A GREAT LOST FOR THEM TOO and very soon they will realize it.

OJA KISHAN is no more with us but HIS ideas, goals and memory are still with us, we must avenge for his loss through non violent ways by GLORIFYING his ideas and goals and striving fearlessly to achieve them, let’s be FEARLESS like HIM and fight for justice in all sphere of LIFE.

Words are not enough to describe OJA KISHAN but our deeds to deliver justice can only bring rest and peace to HIS unfulfilled and departed soul, let’s make the dreams of OJA KISHAN realized through our HONEST and whole hearted effort

With love and Regard
Sonamani Haobam
Ex- SDC/SDO/ CHANDEL District, Manipur

Thu, Feb 26, 2009 at 2:14 AM, Ronid Chingangbam wrote:

Da Kishan (part 2)
With arms wide open
you welcomed the dirt
from earth to sun
with your heart
under their hammers
with their stones
pounding your shoulder,
with their spades
cutting your face,
Home is where we are not scared of
and you proved that
shedding your blood
in the great hills of Ema Manipur.
We believe we will not be scared
to walk the roads
as your blood colors the milestones
Now we will feel at home, we will feel you
whatsoever be their weapon
whatsoever be the colors of their flag

Tue, 24 Feb, 2009 7:02 PM, Fr M C George Menamparampil SDB (high school teacher of Dr Kishan) wrote:

Today I visited the family of Kishan accompanied by K Gopen of Yairipok, who was a classmate of Kishan. We spent some time with his father, wife, elder daughter and his younger brother who studied in DBS Langjing.

I was on my way to Jiribam when we got the news of the gruesome murder. I immediately sent messages to all the alumni whose numbers I have on my mobile to find out which batch he belonged to. I got several replies including one from J S Chiru IAS from Chennai.
.
Sorry, guys, I couldn't contribute anything during the last few days as I was without internet connection in Jiribam. I was able to open my mail-box only today when I reached Imphal.

Let me say this - I am proud of Kishan and I am proud of all of you who rose up unitedly with so much fervor, pain, creativity, love for our land and people, and mobilised yourselves to get something done. A professor from DM College who was in the delegation from the college that visited the family while we were there said - "Fr George, you formed Kishan too well. He was too good." There are other Bosconians, too, who carry their own torch in their own way, or who will now pick up the torch fallen from Kishan's hand and keep pushing ahead to where we want our people to be.

Congrats. I feel proud of you all. Keep up the good fight.

Mon, Feb 23, 2009 at 10:18 PM, Sunzu Bachaspatimayum wrote:

I'm overwhelmed with the exchange of words going on here.. Are any of you guys available in Manipur for an on-the-camera-comment because I feel if I can put them together for the people of Manipur. I think we got something here to immortalize Kishan.

Mon, 23 Feb, 2009, 9:46 PM, Robert Ningombam wrote:

I am very much appalled and hurt by the statement made by Colonel Ningshen regarding his conscience, its a highest form of provocative insult to other community, but I am glad that the people of Manipur respond in a very matured manner.

Today I am stand tall, very proud as a Bostonian because when I read all the articles and mails by the fellow Bostonian it is so amazing and heart warming.

Tamo Ringo you have done a great job, for me you are a great secular guy who stand for peaceful co-existence.

Uncle John you are the patriarch who gives us hope and inspiration that there is no plain and hill nor tribal and meiteis. You are a hero at this tough time, thank you for upholding our unity. Anthony Gangmei I am so glad with your thoughts about how you and your family restrained against communalism during the loss of your cousin brother, thanks for your words of wisdom.

By blood I am a half Tangkhul and share the same surname with the brave colonel Ningshen, but for me he is the face of modern Nazi who committed the crime much more worse than the holocaust, people demand for punishment but for me I think no punishment can justify his act.

Its my appeal to all the Bosconian, lets uphold the peace, harmony and unity among us, and lets never forget the values and friendship that we developed in our school days. I still remember that I have a very good friend called Musheer Ahmed from Hapta, Augustine Mao from Paomei colony, Themchan, Aron, Thangmeiya, Sochipem, Nganingme these are all Tangkhul guys but they grew up like one of us and they are really hurt with the unfortunate incident, they also love this beautiful land Manipur the way we love, lets give one more chance for healing to take place.

Lets us regard this unfortunate incident as an eye opener and face the reality. For me, Da Kishan was a martyr for the sake of love and unity between the Hills and the Plains. He will always be my Hero and I compare him to Abraham Lincoln; Lincoln’s assassination led to the formation of the United States of America and Da Kishan’s dead will always remain as a symbol of unity and realization of long lost brotherhood between different communities.

There are thousands of People like Da Kishan who will rise and fights for justice and equality.

Mon, Feb 23, 2009 12:46 PM, Nandini Thockchom wrote:

After being in a paralysed state of body and mind, I felt overwhelmed to check my mails and see what has been communicated between so many people who believe in Tamo Kisan, justice and humanity. Though I was not close to him personally, we had interacted together from our office on pertinent issues of the so-called development that is engulfing and consuming our lamdam. In the last meeting on the Trans Asian Railway that we organised, after he was selected for the MCS, he had mentioned to the participants that he will try his best in the system for about a year and that he shall come out if he cannot change anything. Who would have imagined that this system does not have space for such a person for even less than a year?

For what it is worth, just got this and wanted to share in solidarity.

Mon, 23 Feb, 2009 5:34 AM, Prince Joshep (former high school teacher of Dr Kishan) wrote:

My heartfelt condolence on the sudden demise of our friend Mr.Kishan.

Sun, Feb 22, 2009 3:22 pm, Shankar wrote:

Knowing Dr.Thingnam Kishan and his family for so many years, the amount of good work he had accomplished both in Academics and in coordinating his family for improvement, his parent who created an environment of learning in the family since his childhood days, their efforts in nurturing and upbringing him; words fail to describe the pain at his sudden demise. I’m more saddened by the manner in which he was killed.

Dr. Thingnam Kishan was a good reader and repository of knowledge on many issues and subjects.

Another aspect of his personality was his swiftness; he accomplished many things within a short span of time. May be he was aware of the fact that Life is too short.

This was Dr Thingnam Kishan as I remember.

My heart felt condolence to his family at this sad turn of event. May God give his family the strength to cope this loss. May his soul rest in peace.

Sat, Feb 21, 2009 at 8:27 PM, Umeshkanta Thounaojam wrote:

Time has come for all of us to stand up united and bring an end to all the problems in the land of our birth.

Sat Feb 21, 2009 3:20 pm, Bedajit Huirem wrote:

Today, I came to know about the Da-Kishan's incident from home, when I went to cyber cafe for an ISD call. It is really a very painful incident. It is saddening to think that there is no room for those who wish to do good things for a better tomorrow. But, we all should have faith in G0D. HE is there, watching every bit and one day HE will show us the light to make our motherland a better place to live with peace and happiness.

May GOD give strength and courage to Da-Kishan's familiy.

Sat, Feb 21, 2009 at 8:48 AM, Soibam Haripriya wrote:

Forever twisted in your face
The smile you once had
Rest in peace
As you lie
An escape from truth
Was not what you chose

While we writhe with guilt
swallow tears of shame
Salt .. from sweat and tears
Emanates from our being
From burnt rubber and gaseous smoke
The taste of woe, the smell of sorrow
Parched throat from shouts
Glass roads to shatter the façade
That exiled man from man
Your destiny was an odyssey
And ours- abandonment

Fri, Feb 20, 2009 at 8:07 PM, Pritam Yumnam wrote:

A heartbroken tribute to Late Dr.Thingnam Kishan Singh, A. Rajen Sharma, Y. Token

I strongly condemn the brutal killing of Dr Kishan, A. Rajen Sharma and Y. Token who I call the true sons of this land, called MANIPUR. They were the very people who worked tirelessly day and night for our brothers in the hills especially Kasom Khullen, so that they may shine like other places in MANIPUR, especially in the field of education and health. We all know they went for a meeting called by the UKHURL DC Pankaj, Dr Kishan went with his staff as a true servant of the people to attend the said meeting without knowing that meeting will be his last meeting.

HOW ON EARTH can there be men who can kill senselessly, the very people who worked tirelessly for the people of Kasom khullen, in some brutal prehistoric manner? Today, the whole MANIPUR is crying for justice for those innocent SOULS who are no longer with us now. Let justice prevail so that their SOULS can rest in peace. Whoever be the person BIG or SMALL behind this tragic end must be booked if there is any "BODY" called Government in MANIPUR? May this tragic incident be the last in MANIPUR. May Dr.Kishan's soul shine among the STARS to guide his fellow officers to continue in HIS step which HE once Took, for which HE even Gave HIS dear soul without bothering about HIS wife, daughters, brothers, parents, FOR THE PEOPLE OF KASOM KHULLEN …

LONG LIVE DR. KISHAN !!

Fri, Feb 20, 2009 at 7:30 pm, Roger Ahongshangbam wrote:

Even though, personally, I did not know Dr. Th. Kishan, the news of his unfortunate death and the way he died make me feel like I have known him. It’s unfortunate. It’s high time we all do something to stop these barbaric acts, instead of waiting for the next victim.

Mon, 23 Feb, 2009 7:00 AM, Dr Leimapokpam Swasti Charan wrote:

To many, it is just an incident.

To some, life has changed forever. The irreversibility of the dear Kishan's body turning into ash.... from asti to shradh and to firoi and a holy trip to radhakund-vrindaband would follow. But for the mother who lost her eldest son, to the wife who lost her husband, to the children who would never see their father alive...life has changed forever.

I am not one of those who were very close to Kishan though we knew each other. I know that he is an energetic fighter, an ardent reader, and a powerful writer. Life's struggle has given him the courage, energy and boldness and a little of short temper. The last time, I met him was a few years ago. I was on the other side of the road at Nagamapal. He waved at me and I went a whole U-turn to reach up to him. He was still waiting for me. We talked for a few minutes. I don't remember what we talked about but he said, "Lets meet again, sit for a while and talk." We would never meet again.

Fri, Feb 20, 2009 at 2:27 PM, Ringo Pebam wrote:

Eche Anju/Da Homen,

We are following the happenings back home minutely. From miles away we are sending you wishes in whatever you do. Call us anytime, for anything. You are in our thoughts/prayers. We wish you, all the best in whatever you are doing out there. Let's emulate Da Kishan's courage and firm commitment.

Ringo

The following lines were written by Priya with deep disgust on what is happening.

-----------------------------------------
Ascetic cat in ochre robe
He is holy, he has given up ngari
Though in the night he is seen
Drinking blood from wine glass
At the Mantri's party

Morning he stands and judge
Our every deed
I saw him in I.S. TV
Chopping a mother's tresses
Mother's face swollen blue
She hid behind worn out hands
Smaller crooks he can't stand
Bigger ones are his friend

Ascetic cat heard the news
Preying has taught him patience, he waits
For him to be released
Or to be found dead and discarded
The body was found
We stood in 5- minutes' silence
7:30 news read out
Organisations condemning the killing
The list ran 5-minutes' long

The righteousness of chopping
A mothers' tresses
Burning a father's wine shop
all disappeared.
Ascetic cat stood lamely and says-
Marileinaba authority-na thigatpiyu
Surrendering the 'case' to 'concerned authority'
Smaller crooks he can't stand
Bigger ones are his friend
He has exchanged his ochre robes
For a neta's suit
Concealing his black heart
Under a white coat
-----------------------------------------

Fri, Feb 20, 2009 at 2:17 PM, Chinglai Wangjam wrote:

It is a great loss for our State Manipur. He sacrifice all the luxuries of life with the sole aim to save Kangleipak but had to pay with his soul, for the place where I am afraid to live in, which I criticize for all the wrong doings.

I never knew Dr. Kishan in person when he was alive, but he has taught me a practical lesson when he is no more. A lesson, "To change a system, be a part of the System'.

Let's keep Dr. Thingnam Kishan's Dreams Alive.
Lets work hand-in-hand to accomplish the vision that Dr. Kishan had.

Fri, Feb 20, 2009 1:23 PM, Chaoba Phuritshabam wrote:

Yesterday night I saw the pictures of Da Kishan sent by che Anjulika. Even if I don't know him by face, I heard about him from Da Dhiren when he narrates about their college days in Delhi and read some of his articles. He was someone's son, husband, father, brother; what would they have felt when they saw his smashed face and body? Why can't they at least justify with his killing? I asked myself, why couldn’t they have at least used one bullet and let him die peacefully instead of butchering him into pieces?

What must be going through the woman who has seen her husband's face, brutally killed and thrown out just like a torn & useless cloth? I wept my heart out in front of my desktop, crying out of pity and my helplessness. Kanada tainadoino, kanada haidoino? Are we going to compromise the life of such people with some protest, strike, some ex-gracia, some road blocking? What else we can do? Our people are immune to killings.

There is not even a single family who is not mourning their son, husband, brother, mother, father and sister's death. Poor, rich, caste, culture, creed, gender, everybody is the victim. What can our impotent Govt. do? Can they bring any justification to such barbaric killing? Now they have justified the killing by giving a job and security to his wife. Is it possible to substitute a husband, brother, father and a son by 10 lakhs and a job? I just wish they also saw something beyond money and power. They will never know the value & meaning of a life.

Fri Feb 20, 2009. 12:50 pm, Bishwajeet Elangbam wrote:

One of his collegues wrote –

"Before we were posted to different places, he told me he preferred to be in hills because that's where he could get a relatively larger involvement in the development process. He wanted to focus on health and education and most heartbreaking to know, in hindsight, was that he wanted to help bridge the growing chasm between the plains and hills."

I am not sure as to how much we can help in bringing justice to one of the most heinous crimes we have known. But probably, one of the things we could do to help is to follow and continue Tamo Kishan's selfless and farsighted vision and work.

May be, we all will continue to ponder why the life of such a good person has to meet such a barbaric end. May be the best we can do is getting inspired and motivated by his work and vision.

Fri, Feb 20, 2009 at 11:18 AM, Joysana Chingnakham wrote:

I, myself, am personally at loss, as to how we can actually do it, when we are so far away from the place of action, but I guess, if we all think together, we can come up with bright ways and means to achieve what we all are aiming for.

These ideas are definitely an awakening after the series of incidents that has happened in Manipur, though it has been in the back of the mind for long. Hope we all can stand together for long and do many things for Manipur and keep the spirit of Tamo Kishan and his likes alive.

Fri, Feb 20, 2009 at 1:27 AM, Rajkumari Sunita:

Dear Anju,

I just sent you a mail but I really don't know if it went or not. I was trying to find you for many days and I am so glad this letter came to me today.

My heartfelt condolence to you and all other family and friends. I have been very very upset with the news for the last two days and I am really at lost of words. His dead is loss a of big magnitude. I really didn't have anyone to talk to and I ended up telling my Professor about him for nearly an hour. He didn't have any clue about whom I was talking about but he realizes that Kishan must have been a good person.

What a lost, what a total lost. All my energy, emotion was drained and all of a sudden I feel as if I don't wanna do anything about that place. Ukhrul was one place I kept on talking about non-stop, after Loktak. But the news of Kishan hit me so badly it kinda took away all my dreams about what I felt for Manipur. He was one of our kind, in spite of every helpless situation we face with, who felt that there can be a change. A change for Manipur. My God! I really am lost now. But in spite of everything we must not hide and crawl. He set the stage for a better Manipur and it is for every one of us like-minded fellow to continue from where he left. Manipur can't be just a place where dreams are destroyed, where your rights are shattered. It just can't be a place, which kills every desire you have, which drives away who are good.

I remember Kishan, we use to stand waiting for public school bus and he was always a perfect gentleman.

Anju, I have known you since you were a baby. I have full faith in you; get to the bottom of the whole story. You can do it.

My prayers for the bereaved family.

Fri Feb 20, 2009 12:32 am, Jibesh Laimayum wrote:

Oh God,this is really something! Now I wonder if there is GOD!
May his soul rest in peace.
Life is eternal, and love is immortal,
and death is only a horizon;
and a horizon is nothing save the limit of our sight.
-Rossiter Worthington Raymond

Fri, Feb 20, 2009 at 12:20 AM, Yengkhom Devson wrote:

I WAS BUSY WITH MY WORK THE DAY WHEN MY SISTER CALLED WITH CHOKED VOICE, SHE TOLD ME ABOUT TAMO KISHAN AND SHE HAD SAID, “TAMO IT IS REALLY BAD, HE DIDNT DESERVE IT THESE WAY...” I WAS SHOCKED TO HEAR THE NEWS; SAD AND ANGRY AT THE SAME TIME... BUT DID NOT KNOW THE BARBARIC MANNER IN WHICH TAMO KISHAN WAS MURDERED... I AM HERE SITTING IN MY ROOM, TEARS IN MY EYES.. WRITING THIS MAIL,,, MANY THINGS COMING TO MY MIND AND ITS CLOUDING ME WITH ANGER AND THE LOSS...

BUT ONE THING IS FOR SURE; IT HAS MADE MY WILL TO FIGHT FOR TRUTH, JUSTICE AND PEACE ....STRONGER...

I STAND BY TAMO KISHAN AND HIS TWO COLLEAGUE’S FAMILY IN THIS MOMENT OF BIG LOSS...

MAY THEIR SOUL REST IN PEACE.

Thu, Feb 19, 2009 at 11:21 PM, Thingnam Anjulika wrote:

Dear Ringo, Da Balan, Tamo Dhiren and all others on this list,

For the past three days, I have been engaged in a debate with myself. Should I send this picture or not? The ever present smile has been twisted beyond recognition, the glazed eyes no longer have that twinkle, nor is this the youthful face we all knew.

Today, reason lost. But a word of caution. If you have a weak heart, pls do not download this picture.

If you should think I should not have given way to sentiment, my answer is -- IF THIS IS THE PRICE TO PAY FOR LOVE OF TRUTH, I WILL GLADLY FOLLOW THAT ROAD.

Anjulika

Thu, Feb 19, 2009 at 5:56 PM, Haripriya Soibam wrote:

Don’t know what to do. I have read the things he wrote, in admiration of his ideas. The only emotion I feel right now is sadness and anger. That one by one all the good ones stand no more and all that we do is grieve and stand for 5 minutes in silence, burn the streets for a few days and what next? I don’t know .. I too did all these .. reactions ..but wish we could do something more..

Thu, Feb 19, 2009 at 2:42 PM, Sam Khumanthem wrote:

May his Soul Rest in Peace!!

When calamity comes, the wicked are brought down, but even in death the righteous have a refuge - Proverbs 14:32

Thu, Feb 19, 2009 at 2:30 PM, Ronid Chingangbam wrote:

Da Kishan

It was sometime after spring
you and me were mourning
with smile, you and me were crying
remembering
how we would miss the burning flame
that ceased by the rain of bullets
We knew such heroism lasts only in literature
it will last only in hearts
the hearts of the weakest of the weak
And now today they have taken you in my heart,
the weak heart of mine.
i value you, my brother
you deserve more than this poetry
and the condolences

Thu, 19 February, 2009 12:02:06 PM, Padameshwar Nongthombam wrote:

That' s the fall of a bright star,
That's the fall of a bright star

Dr.Thingnam Kishan

To me he was not just an able MCS officer, a super senior at high school, but a good brother, a good teacher.

He was our English teacher when I was in my eleventh standard at Harvard School, Imphal. I would run out of words if I have to describe him. He was such a cool and calm guy, who was open to saying what he likes and dislikes outright, who always believed in the dictum "Action speaks louder than words" and who always preached "The valiant never taste of death but once". Truth and transparency ran in his veins.

It seems only yesterday when he taught the famous English prose "The Drought" by Saratchandra Chaterjee. Through it he showed us how the society is suffering and is in chaos and how people must go against all odds.

Though the association with you was for a period of time, the lessons of life, which you have taught us, will stay with me forever.

While writing this note, my eyes filled with tears, the tears of losing a good son, the tears of losing a good administrator, the tears of losing a good teacher, the tears of losing a good human being….. He was a God sent guy who always yearned to see a changed Manipur and a changed society.

May your soul rest in peace.

And woes to you butchers. Are not you fed up of being so cruel, so brutal? How can you be so merciless to your fellow mate?

Today we have lost yet another good son of the state. Is not the time ripe now for all of us to stand united before we lose more Kishans …? We are going to need them for a better Manipur.

Thu, 19 February, 2009 11:25:15 AM, Shunchonngam Jatak Chiru wrote:

It is indeed shocking to hear about the brutal murder of one of our friends - an alumni and a bright officer. I remember him as an affable person and a nice soul from my days in DBS... Words fail to express the pain, the despondence and the loss that his passing has left all of us with...

I join all the rest of DBS alumni in condemning this act of barbarism. I also convey my heartfelt condolences to the family, relatives and friends of the departed soul!!

P.S. I have a song I wrote in 1994 and have now recorded at home in which I tried to express my despair regarding the state of affairs in Manipur... I don't know how appropriate it is at this moment of sadness.... But I'd like to dedicate this to the memory of Kishan, whom I knew as a gentle and affable soul....

Thu, February 19, 2009 11:16 AM, Nelson E wrote:

This is really sad and a great loss indeed for all of us....

I personally don't know him, but yes, I have met him twice or thrice whenever I visited his house during my school days. My classmate and my only bench mate who have given me company till 10 std at DBS is his brother Sanjeev. I heard about him a lot lately from him and always dreamt to meet when I go home.

The moment I heard the news, I was shocked and didn't know what to say. I kept searching for more news at e-pao and other Manipuri websites; called up friends in Manipur and my home to enquire if they heard anything about it. I was not sure, if I should call his younger brother and speak. I was scared and numb. It was around 22.44 on 17.02.2009 I gathered all my strength a called Sanjeev and tried consoling him with few lines.

Words are not enough for a person like him. There are many who have not sent an email as condolence but I am sure everyone has felt the same like we feel.

May Lord give his family Courage and Patience. May his soul rest in peace.

Thu, February 19, 2009, 9:02 AM, Robert Ningombam wrote:

Hats off to all the Bosconians for sharing our compassion and sympathy towards the bereaved families. I am so proud to be a Bosconian, because we maintain the ethos and values of communal harmony.

Wed, Feb 18, 2009 at 12:41 PM, John Zamkhomang Munluo wrote,

I am utterly shocked to hear the news of a young SDO being killed in such a brutish manner and I find no words strong enough to condemn the murder. Though I did not know him personally it does not make any difference. While the rest of India is developing so fast it seems our only industry is insurgency, murders, breach of peaceful coexistence, demoralisation. Only God has the right to take away life because He is the author of life.

Wed, 18 February, 2009 11:37:21 PM, Kheda Sanjenbam wrote:

Words cannot describe the pain and the anger that is felt by many because of this inhuman act. Like many, I also knew Kishan from school days and as many pointed out, he was a very fun loving, down to earth and a very hardworking individual. It's indeed a great loss for our society. My heartfelt condolence to his family and loved ones. I pray for the departed soul. May his soul rest in peace and May God give strength to his family...

Wed, 18 February, 2009 10:44:55 PM, Momo Irom wrote:

A promising light snuffed out, even before it began to shed its light in the engulfing darkness.

Today, I mourn not just losing a friend and a fellow Bosconian, I mourn (call me a despondent if you will) for what our dear 'Manipur' has come to stand…kidnappings, murders, extortion, corruption, hustling, swindling, fraud, embezzlement, pilfering.... the list goes on (I’ll only be wasting my breath trying to name it). It’s a "rule of the out-law". Knowing Kishan, I believe he gave his life fighting against some such sickness that ails the land. My salute to you, Oh brave son of Manipur.

And today, I can only wish that you did not give your life in vain. As I shed this tear for your demise, I pray many more like you are born. As for us, let us all pledge to fight against the sickness that plagues the land, in whatever manner we can.

My heartfelt condolence to his family and friends. Kishan lived his life in his own terms, that’s more than what can be said for many of us living.

Wed, 18 February, 2009 9:14:34 PM, Robert Ningombam wrote:

Tamo Ringo, thanks for uploading the pictures of T. Kishan, I don't know who he is and never met in my life, but today I feel I connection with him. Everyday people die in Manipur for no reason, and people do not bother at all but the death of Kishan is something that is very different, even the pigs and the scavengers are not killed in that way. Sometimes, I ask God whether he cares about Manipur? I realized that God has left Manipur long time ago, it is very sad. For how long can we live with this thorn in our flesh? After 26/11 the world knows Mumbaikar’s reaction, what about us?

Wed, 18 February, 2009 8:05:16 PM, Satya Satya wrote:

This is atrocious!! Nobody has the right to take another's life. My thoughts are with the distraught family of T. Kishan. May almighty give solace & strength to the bereaved family members.

Wed, February 18, 2009, 7:53 PM, Reji Alexander wrote:

I am sorry to hear the tragic passing away of a Bosconian. I guess I never knew him. He must have been about 10 years old when I left Don Bosco.

Our prayers are for Kishan. May his soul rest in peace. My sympathy and heartfelt condolences to his family.

I hope the cowards, who committed the crime, are caught and punished.

Wed, 18 February, 2009 6:15:36 PM, Balan B wrote:

Kishan Thingnam was truly a good human, who went through a very normal and down to earth upbringing, schooling and university years. His student days in Delhi are filled with the same stories that most students go through, staying out of home and studying. He had reached phenomenal heights of success with his works. He had authored a book. He is considered an expert in eco-political currents of not only Manipur but of the North East. He has also written many papers and presented them in various gatherings - local, national, international.

I met him last in October 2008 and he was still the same old good self, from guiding villagers from Kasom Khullen and chiding his daughter for not completing her homework, to willingly stopping to speak to local friends. Yes, he did all this in the span of about an hour that I was with him on that morning. Finally he kick started the "Activa" which has given up on me. He also showed me whole lot of pictures of his office and the road leading to it (both of which were in very bad shape) and he making a joke and song about it described the tasks he has ahead of him. He goes for walks regularly in the morning speaking to morning walkers on any topics that are thrown at him.

That's Dr Thingnam Kishan MCS for you!

You will surely be missed! Rest in Peace! And May god give strength to your family.

Wed, February 18, 2009 5:18:05 PM, Deepak Khundrakpam wrote:

Dakishan was a man who was liked by all. I never knew he was a Bosconian but I knew him as he was among the group of a cousin of mine. They use to gather during weekends at Chingmeirong Khongnang Ani Karak in his days as a lecturer in DM College. At that time all I knew about him was that he is the brother of DaSanjeev(Mamma).

He was a gentleman in a true sense!! When I read the news it was really hard for me to reconcile with the truth

Da Kishan, We will miss you. We will miss a Shooting Star!!

May Your Soul rest in Peace!!

Wed Feb 18, 2009 1:45 pm, Robert Ningombam wrote:

Woe to you oh killers

Wed Feb 18, 2009 11:59 am, Probin Arambam wrote,

24th Dec 2008 we had last met. "Xmas n New Year made a good vacation in Ukhrul and Kasom...will enjoy with family till 4th Jan2009..." Kishan said in a light mood walking along the Khoyathong Road.

We have lost the mortal Kishan but everyone will treasure this brave man in his or her memory as one of the brightest stars in the sky...

Wed Feb 18, 2009 10:47 am, Lokanta B wrote:

I know Tamo Kishan as one of my seniors in DBS. He is also from the same locality. I am deeply shocked by this news.

I met Tamo Kishan last December, in one of his friend's wedding. We had a quick chat and I remember he shared about his hectic work in Ukhrul. He is a down to earth person and always focused on books and academic all throughout his life. I would like to share one of his photos from the luhongba.

May his soul rest in peace.

Wed Feb 18, 2009 9:37 am, Basanta Rajkumar wrote:

Having known Kishan very closely, it is indeed shocking and unbelievable to know that he is no longer with us today.

I still have fond memories of him coming to school in groups in cycles often with Shankar and Balan who lived nearby. He was very joyful, gregarious and full of life.

Although relatively short in height, his grit and determination belied his size. From the days in DBS to the streets of Delhi, where he not only struggled and excelled but also had the rare distinction of joining one of the elite colleges of Delhi as a faculty, before joining the state civil services as an MCS officer. Coming from an average, lower middleclass family with all sorts of hurdles and limitations, this was no mean achievement.

Today, this glorious Son of God lies battered and butchered in a corner of the RIMS morgue, his body still unclaimed, his last rites still not performed. Pained and angered as we all are, as all sane humans should, we should at the moment not lose sight of the task at hand, but at the same time we should also not lose sanity ourselves. As the matter involves larger issues, some of which may not be appropriate to be discussed in this forum, a JAC has been formed, which will be meeting at Kishan's this afternoon. Although many things are still not clear, bits and pieces have started coming and it is hopefully expected that we get to the bottom of things sooner rather than later.

Kishan came with a purpose on earth, which he strived to fulfill till his last moments. Let us pray that his soul rest in peace in heaven. Let us also pray that his brave wife and two young daughters get the inspiration and the courage from the departed soul to get through this difficult time.

May god bless them.

Tue Feb 17, 2009 9:44 pm, Dwipen Khwairakpam wrote:

Words cannot even begin to express my sorrow on learning about the loss of one of our Bosconian. I do not personally know him, but after listening to Da Ringo’s story about his strange death, I felt a sense of sadness within me.

I am so sorry for the loss of him. My thoughts are with him and his family. Although it's difficult today to see beyond the sorrow, may looking back in memory help comfort us tomorrow.

Tue, Feb 17, 2009 at 9:09 PM, Duran Thiyam wrote:

I am very sad to know the sudden demise of Tamo Kishan. May his soul rest in peace and God give his family the strength to bear this irreparable loss.

Tue Feb 17, 2009 6:20 pm, Ringo Pebam wrote:

Tamo Kishan Thingnam, former Bosconian, from the batch of 1987, passed away. He was from Nagampal Kangjabi, he was an SDO, and he was selected in MCS exam of 2007.

He was a Bosconian who dreamt and worked for a better Manipur. He was a kind, cheerful and helpful man.

Past pupils of Don Bosco Imphal, is deeply saddened by his death. His wife, kids, parents and brothers are in our thoughts. May God give them courage during this tough time.

Tamo Kishan, may your soul Rest in Peace. We love you. We will miss you.

Love and Prayers,
You brothers from DBS, Imphal

PS: It happened late night and hence news about Tamo Kishan has not yet come in the newspaper. Proper news about how and what happened will be known by tomorrow.

Tue, Feb 17, 2009 4:59 PM, Binalakshmi Nepram wrote:

Truly saddened to hear the news. I knew Kishen very well when he was in Delhi and he had dreams for a better Manipur. When I was in Manipur last, he had given me his journal, which he had started publishing. He has also written many articles regarding "Look East Policy". Yet another young promising life cut short.

In Kishen's memory, we must continue to stand in solidarity, to struggle against such inhumane acts of violence that takes this precious life away.

In peace and solidarity,
Binalakshmi Nepram

Tue, February 17, 2009 4:05 PM, Ringo Pebam wrote:

Da Kishan, elder bro of Sanjeev Thingnam, was killed along with his driver last night at the place where he was posted. He was selected for the MCS in 2007, he was a former DBS (87 batch I think). He taught at Shyam Lal College, University of Delhi, DM College of Arts, Imphal and MU, Manipur. He was the inspiration for the guitar players of our generation, with long hair he would play the intro of GFR's 'Closer to home' at the stairs of their house when we were kids.

I got the unconfirmed news from Tamo Dhiren from Delhi. Called up Bungo (Recycle drummer from Nagampal) and Shankar to confirm, and they said it's true. Spoke to Devson, said his sis Victoria went to pick up Da Kishen's body

Da Kishan, May your soul rest in peace.
at 7:06 AM 3 comments

Salute Thingnam Kishan and his spirit

Wednesday, February 25, 2009

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Friday, February 20, 2009

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