Imphal: Former chief minister R.K. Dorendro Singh's body was laid to rest with state honours at Moirangkhom here on Saturday.

Dorendro Singh passed away at Imphal's Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences around 7pm on Friday. He was 83.

He was admitted to the hospital on March 17.

Dorendro Singh was the chief minister of Manipur four times between 1974 and 1993. Before becoming the chief minister, he was the Speaker.

He had not been politically active in the past few years owing to poor health. His last political position was a permanent invitee to the state executive committee of the BJP Manipur Pradesh.

Chief minister Nongthombam Biren Singh, deputy chief minister Y. Joykumar Singh and Speaker Y. Khemchand Singh were among those who paid their last respects to the departed leader.

The last rites were performed at his residential complex at Moirangkhom.

A Manipur Rifles contingent gave the guard of honour and offered gun salute. The gathering observed a two-minute silence as a mark of respect to the departed soul.

"It is a great loss not only to the state but also for the entire country. Dorendro Singh will always be remembered as a respected person and a great politician," Biren Singh said.

The chief minister also recalled the late leader's advices to the government and political parties on various issues.

The state government declared Saturday a holiday in all government offices and institutions and a three-day state mourning in honour of the former chief minister.

Biren Singh, in his condolence message, said he shared the grief of the bereaved family members and Dorendro Singh's followers.

The Speaker also sent a condolence message.