Condolence messages are pouring in from various sections after unexpected and untimely demise of senior journalist Khelen Thokchom of Manipur.
Khelen Thokchom, who wrote for The Telegraph from Imphal, passed away following cardiac arrest in the wee hours of April 1 in Imphal.
He was 58 and is survived by his wife and two children.
Lok Sabha MP from Manipur Dr Thokchom Meinya condoled the sudden sad and untimely demise of the senior journalist. “Late Khelen Thokchom was a shining star of the clan,” MP Meinya in a message here said. His death has left a huge void in the journalist fraternity of the country and Manipur in particular. He has also conveyed his sincere humble condolences to the members of the bereaved family.
The Press Advisory Committee (PAC) of the Manipur Legislative Assembly held a condolence meeting at the media room of the office at the Assembly complex at 10.30 am on Monday. The condolence service was chaired by P Ibochou Singh, Chairman of the PAC.
The meeting deeply condoled the sudden and untimely demise of Khelen Thokchom, who was also a member of the PAC. A two-minute silence was observed as a mark of respect to the departed soul. The committee also shared the grief and sorrow of the family and pray for the departed soul to rest in peace.
Members of the District Journalists’ bodies of the State including Churachandpur, Jiribam, Moreh, Thoubal, Ukhrul in separate press releases also condoled the sudden demise of Khelen.
Journalists of Thoubal district also observed two-minute silence as a mark of respect for the departed soul. Late Khelen Thokchom was the founder editor of Sangai Express (both English and Manipuri editions) and later worked as a special correspondent for The Telegraph.
Proscribed group United National Liberation Front also condoled the untimely demise of the senior journalist. A press statement was issued in this regard. Saluting the departed soul, the journalists’ community had also observed a candle lighting ceremony at the Manipur Press Club on Sunday night as a mark of respect to the departed soul.
Many friends, near and dear ones besides well-wishers of the journalist have also been visiting the bereaved family at their Tera Tongbram Leikai residence continuously.