Eminent writer and Manipuri princess dead

Imphal, Jan 18 (PTI) Eminent writer and princess ofManipur''s former royal family, Maharaj Kumari Binodini died inher residence here, family sources said today.

She passed awaly at around 8.15 last night.

Binodini was 89 and and survived by two sons and twogrand children. Her husband Nano Singh, who was the firstdirector of state health services after the merger of Manipurwith the union of India, predeceased her.

A prolific writer whose many stories were filmed,Binodini was conferred ''Padmasri'' which she later returnedto the central government for not withdrawing the Armed ForcesSpecial Powers Act from Manipur.

Youngest daughter of former Manipur Maharaj SirChurachand Singh, Binodini was popularly called ''Imasi''(respected mother) by the Manipuris.

She was educated at St Mary''s College in Shillong andlater at Vidyasagar College in West Bengal. She wrote hundredsof short stories, novels and essays on various social issues.

A film based on her novel ''Imagi Ningthem'' (My dearson) bagged several international awards.

Her mortal remains were consigned to flames at Yaiskulnear her house late last night. PTI TP PR

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