Former Manipur minister and former Legal Affairs Minister A S Arthur passed away early Saturday morning in New Delhi after a long illness at the age of 99. He is survived by his three sons and four daughters.
Arthur, first elected to the Manipur Legislative Assembly from Ukrul Assembly constituency in 1984 as an independent candidate, is the father of current Manipur Lok Sabha MP Alfred Kangham Arthur.
Arthur later joined the Congress in the Sixth Assembly and served as Minister of Forestry, Environment and Public Administration during the tenure of Rishang Qisheng in 1995.
Family members informed that his last rites will be held on Monday in his hometown, Changshak Phonghon, in Ukrul district.
“Deeply saddened by the demise of veteran leader Shri AS Arthur, former Minister (GAD and Forests), at the age of 99 in New Delhi. A respected statesman who served Manipur loyally in the 80s and 90s,” Prime Minister Yomnam Khemchand Singh wrote in a post on X.
He added: “My heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones. May God have mercy on him.”
In a condolence message, Manipur Legislative Council Speaker Thokchom Satyabrata Singh expressed deep sorrow over Arthur’s death, describing him as an outstanding public figure who dedicated his life to public service with integrity and commitment.
He said Arthur’s contributions to governance and the welfare of the people would be remembered with respect and gratitude, and extended his condolences to the bereaved family.
Meanwhile, Khatingla Kisheng, wife of late Rishang Kisheng, former chief minister and political veteran, died at a hospital in Imphal on Saturday morning. She was 96 years old.
