Legendary Kuki pop singer Michael Kipgen passed away on Thursday morning (February 2) at his residence at S Phailengkot village in Kangpokpi's Saikul Subdivision.
The singer died following a fatal accident on his Scooty along the National Highway 2 between Bimparao and Leikop on January 11 morning and was admitted at Raj Medicity. However, he succumbed to his injury at his residence in S Phailengkot village on February 2 morning.
Born in 1968 at S Phailengkot village in Saikul Sub Division, Hemkholun alias Michael Luncha Kipgen became one of the most celebrated entertainers among the Kukis across the state and globe.
He recorded his first album "Chavang Ninou" and released it in 1989 while his last album "Chapang kitol chem" was recorded and released in 2000. He has to his credit around 15 albums with more than 180 songs.
Some of his most popular songs are, “Chavang Ninou”, “Mittam Lanu”, “Senlai Lanu”, “Good Bye No. 4”, “Lhangkichoi”, “Chavang Kut”, among others.
Luncha Kipgen earned his popular name Michael from Maneithangja, the king of stage performance among the Kuki, after his hit album "Kamdam Chibai" in 1993.
Kukis across the globe were saddened by the demise of the legendary singer as social media has been flooded with condolence messages from various organisations and individuals.
Michael Luncha Kipgen managed to capture the hearts of many people across the country with his numerous popular songs.
Kukis in the United States of America also observed condolence over the demise of Michael Luncha Kipgen while the condolence function was also held at the national capital under the aegis of KSO Delhi.
A candle-lit service was also held at national capital to pay tribute to the departed legendary singer.
Kuki Inpi Manipur also conveyed its deepest condolence over his demise.
Janghaolun Haokip, Secretary, Information and Publicity, KIM said that the Kuki Inpi Manipur is deeply grieved by the demise of Michael Luncha Kipgen, one of the most celebrated entertainers among the Kukis.
Michael Luncha Kipgen is a legend, a gem for music and the Kukis; a humble man, a true entertainer, and a man who will always be remembered", he added.
The Kuki Inpi Manipur also expressed its deepest condolence and consoled the bereaved family.
Michael Luncha Kipgen Jalai-Thang Lom (MLJTL), a committee formed to honor the popular Kuki pop singer with a lifetime achievement also expressed shock and condolence over the demise of the singer.
The committee also consoled the bereaved family and conveyed its heartfelt condolence.
Kuki Khanglai Lompi (KKL) General Headquarters, KSO General Headquarters, KSO Sadar Hills, Thadou Inpi Sadar Hills, TSA Sadar Hills, Kipgen-Haokip People's Council, Karbi-Anglong Assam, Kuki Welfare Association, Guwahati, Kangpokpi town local bodies, and many others also expressed deepest condolence over the untimely demise of the Kuki legendary singer.
Michael Luncha Kipgen's funeral service was held today at S. Phailengkot village amidst thousands of mourners.
