Imphal: Manipur’s State Information Commissioner Dr Soibam Ibocha Singh breathed his last at 2.58 pm at the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS), here on Sunday. He was undergoing treatment for Covid-19 for the past few days.
Dr Ibocha, 64, a resident of Soibam Leikai, Imphal East, was a decorated police officer before he was sworn in as the State Information Commissioner by the Governor of Manipur, Najma Haptullah on October 22, 2018.
He was a lecturer in Maharajah Bodhchandra College from 1979 to 1983. He joined the Manipur Police Services (MPS) in 1983 and retired as IGP in 2018. During his career in the Police department, he had served as Superintendent of Police of Imphal West, Thoubal, Bishenpur, Churachandpur and Senapati districts.
He got his Ph.D. in community policing. He is also a recipient of the President’s Police Medal for Meritorious Service.
Dr Ibocha is also winner of Sahitya Akademi translation prize, recipient of State Literature Award, State Kala Akademi award, Sharda Translation Award and Akoijam Chaoton & RK Muktasana Literature Award.
He was also the President of Raugby Football, Manipur; and was also Senior Vice President of Amateur Rugby Federation of India.
Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh expressed grief over Ibocha’s demise.
“On his demise, the State has lost a gentleman, an academician and a sports enthusiast who gave his best for the better of the society,” said the Chief Minister in a statement.
“On behalf of the government and people of Manipur, I convey my deepest condolence and share grief with the bereaved family and pray that God may give them strength to bear this great loss with courage and fortitude,” Biren added.
The Manipur Information Commission also expressed its heartfelt grief and profound sorrow on Dr Ibocha’s untimely demise. “Our thoughts and prayer are with his family. The Commission is organizing a condolence meeting at its office premises in Secretariat, North Block on Monday at 11.30 am by observing necessary Covid protocols,” said a statement issued by the Commissioner on Sunday.
