By Waikhom Chitradhani
Imphal(Manipur), June 11 : One more journalist succumbed to COVID-19 in Manipur. So far the lives of three journalists from the state have been claimed by the dreaded virus in the state.
Thotshang Shaiza, senior journalist of The Aja Daily passed away on Saturday night at Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences (JNIMS), Imphal. He was 52. He is survived by his wife along with three daughters and two sons.
The senior journalist succumbed to Covid-19 complications as he developed severe lung infection. He was referred out to JNIMS from Ukhrul District Hospital on June 10 after his condition worsened. Shaiza was found COVID-19 positive on June 4.
Shaiza was a former president and an advisor at present of the Ukhrul District Working Journalists’ Association. He was also a member of the Manipur Hill Journalists’ Union. The journalist’s bodies condoled the demise of the senior journalist on Sunday.
Manipur chief minister N Biren Singh also condoled the demise of the senior journalist.
“In his demise, we, and in particular the media fraternity, have lost a multi-faceted personality who had dedicated his life in the service of society. I offer my sincere condolences to the bereaved family and share their grief. May his soul rest in peace,” the chief minister said in a message.
Thotshang Shaiza was also the president of Tangkhul Leisak Long and Tangkhul Film Association and also a member of Ukhrul District Sports Association, besides being the Deacon of Phungyo Baptist Church.
Meanwhile, Manipur reported 530 new COVID-19 cases and 15 deaths on Sunday. The cumulative number of positive cases in the state now stands at 59,852 and 974 total deaths.
According to the Health Department, on Sunday, 726 persons were discharged, taking the recovery rate to 84.17 per cent.
As per the latest information, 4,67,076 persons have been vaccinated in the state.
