Nongmaithem Deven, veteran journalist and founding member of the All Manipur Working Journalist Union (AMWJU) passed away in Imphal on Thursday after suffering from prolonged illness. He was 75.
Expressing deep pain and heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family, Chief Minister N Biren Singh said Deven played an instrumental role in the development of Manipuri journalism.
"Deeply pained to hear the demise of the veteran journalist, Shri Nongmaithem Deven, popularly known as Khollao Deven. He played an instrumental role in the development of Manipuri journalism and was a founding member of AMWJU. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family. May his soul rest in peace. Om Shanti," CM Biren said in a post on Facebook.
N Deven Singh began his career in journalism in the year 1969. He joined Khollao daily newspaper, the Communist Party of India organ and went on to become its Joint Editor.
He also worked in other daily newspapers like Hueiyen Lanpao, Imphal Free Press, Sangai Express and Matamgi Yakairol in different capacities.
He was honored with Laishram Joychandra Award for Investigative Reporting in 1998-99 by AMWJU, Thiyam Premkumar Award in 2020 by Sahitya Thoupang Lup.
He is the last-born child of Nongmaithem Brajabidhu, a renowned Pung Guru. He is survived by his wife N Nabamani Devi and four daughters.
Being a sports enthusiast, he was a member of the Manipur Table Tennis Association and Vice-President of Manipur Olympic Association (MOA). In the 2007 National Games he was the Deputy Chief de Mission of Manipur contingent.
