Dr. Nelson Vashum
Ukhrul, Manipur
Joining the discussions on the life and achievements of late Dr. Rishang Keishing – under the thought provoking caption “Who Can Boast Of An Untarnished Record?” – Morung Express dated 26/08/17, I wish to express a few observations against those who tried to tarnish the image of one who was blessed with chequered political career. However successful, late Dr. Rishang Keishing was very much a man with feet of clay. He frankly admitted in many occasions that he was a fallible man yet pursuing perfection.
My first encounter with late Dr. Rishang Keishing’s political dispensation was in early 80’s. I was posted in the District Hospital, Ukhrul. On 15/08/83, he came to Ukhrul HQ as chief guest, Chief Minister, on Independence Day. During this visit, some of his party-workers (Cong-I) complained against me for my involvement in Human Right activities which happened to hurt some of them. As Chief Minister, he telephoned to the Medical Secretary, Mr. Tuizar Muivah (Tangkhul) to transfer me immediately with no joining time allowed…etc. At that point of time, I was MO i/c, district medical store, District Hospital, TB clinic and mobile dispensary. According to the order my portfolios to be handed over to District Medical Officer. The transfer order came as a crash message on 22/08/83. I cleared my handing-over the same day and joined the office the next morning at Imphal. Director of Medical & Health Services, late Dr. P.K. Singh gave me a big hand for being obedient as a servant.
The next year 1984, July, I was on the top of merit list of candidates tentatively selected by Directorate for sponsorship for PG course in OBGY. However, my name was omitted in the final list. Medical and Health Minister’s office revealed that it was at the behest of Chief Minister. I went on my own and came back with MD, DGO in 1988. Strangely I was posted to TB hospital, Imphal as a mere MO. Mr. Soso Lorho (A Mao Naga) Medical and Health Minister advised me to work quietly in T.B. Hospital as desired by the Chief Minister. After 9 months I resigned to chalk out a career of my own. Seemingly unfortunate, but I took it all in my stride. I firmly believed everything work together for good for those who love God and who are called for His purpose (Roms 8:28). I followed God’s purpose without a bit of resentment against anyone.
I once heard late R. Suisa (who was an MP when J. Nehru was Prime Minister of India) saying, “I can criticize J. Nehru, PM of India abusing him one whole day but I am dead sure at the same time, that I will not be able to stand in his shoes even for one hour”. Biblically balanced people carry this kind of conviction in their heads. Such people look at the sunny side of every situation. They look at the merit of every person and less on the flaws and faults of others. They also know ̶ all have sinned and come short of the standard of God (Roms 3:23). For this very reason Jesus taught his disciples, “Forgive one another 70 x 7 times (Matt 18:22), implied reason: all are sinners. If forgiveness is not practiced - God Himself will not forgive that kind of person (Matt 6:15). For the kingdom of God is righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit (Roms 14:17).
Late Dr. Rishang Keishing’s family and mine attended the same church – MBC centre church, Imphal in the 90’s. One Sunday morning after the service, he transcendingly shook hand with me with a cheerful smile on his face. For a short moment with no one within ear-shot, I dared to ask him, “Uncle how dare you shake hands in spite of all the wrongs done to me years ago” (I reminded him of the past!). He confessed – dear doctor, brother, let us forget the past and please forgive me! Instantly I forgave from the bottom of my heart. But mind you, he was a big shot. He could have brushed me aside. But he being an avid reader of the Bible, a true believer, he cared to stoop and shake hands and even ask for forgiveness! Unthinkable in this present age where might is right and vice is virtue.
Morung Express – under the title, “Who Can Boast Of An Untarnished Record?” is fairly comprehensive, thanks to the famous historian Ramachandra Guha. There might be still many records of good works outside your purview. All the same even faults and flaws as well.
One outstanding and worthy of note was the stand taken by late Dr. Rishang Keishing as Chief Minister of Manipur against the infamous “Blue Bird Operation”, an aftermath of Naga army (NSCN-IM) ransacking the Indian army post at Oinam, Senapati district, September 1987. Waves of Human Right abuses were beyond description, shameful and condemnable. He went all out against the barbaric activities committed by the army. It became a battle between late Dr. Rishang Keishang and G.O.C, Lt. Gen. Kukrety. For the mighty and ruthless government of India, in the process of using the brute force under Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA), an army general was much bigger than the Chief Minister of a state. Truth and right didn’t matter. Late Dr. Rishang Keishing was made to forgo his chair of Chief Minister. True sacrifice. Worthy sacrifice. But for many nit pickers, the sacrifice was inconsequential! Be it as it may, history and time vindicate him today – as good and faithful though not flawless. Who can boast of untarnished record?
ANYONE WHO DARES? Late Dr. Rishang Keishing never ever boasted of untarnished record in his life.
