UKHRUL: Mahuiri Heising Shaiza, the visionary entrepreneur who introduced cooking gas (LPG) to Manipur and a dedicated community leader, passed away at his Chingmeirong home in Imphal early today. He was 90 years old.
Born on April 17, 1936, to Shangam Shaiza and Mahongai Rumthao, Heising Shaiza’s life was defined by a transition from dedicated public service to pioneering entrepreneurship. He is survived by his wife, Theisa Shaiza, three sons, and two daughters.
Before his journey into the gas service business, Shaiza served the Government of India during the 1960s as a Supply Inspector in the North-East Frontier Agency (NEFA), now known as Arunachal Pradesh. His service saw him navigating the challenging terrains of the Chinese border, covering strategic locations including Lakhimpur, Pasighat, Tawang, Zamingthang, and Taprujo.
Also read Development at the cost of Manipur’s Territorial Integrity
Pioneering Entrepreneurship
Heising Shaiza is best remembered for modernizing kitchens across Manipur. In 1976, he established M/s Manipur Gas Service in Imphal, the state’s first LPG distributorship under the Indian Oil Corporation (IOC).
The agency was officially commissioned on January 2, 1976, serving as a cornerstone of the state’s energy infrastructure for nearly 50 years. His efforts helped transition thousands of households from traditional firewood to clean cooking fuel.
Beyond his professional success, Shaiza was a pillar of the Christian community. He served as a long-standing member of the Board of Trustees for the Tangkhul Baptist Church Imphal (TBCI), Dewlahland.
He was also one of the founders of the Tangkhul Baptist Church in Kairang, Imphal, where he later served as the Treasurer, overseeing its early financial growth and stability.