First Kuki MP Paokai Haokip no more, condolences pour in
Source: Chronicle News Service

Kangpokpi, June 07 2021: Paokai Haokip, the first Member of Parliament from among the Kuki community in the state passed away on Sunday evening at his Saitu village residence in Kangpokpi district.

He was 85 and is survived by his son, daughter-in-law and grandson.

He died of gland cancer.

Paokai passed class from St Anthony's High School, Shillong in 1960 and intermediate from DM College, Imphal in 1961.He completed graduation at Cotton College, Guwahati in 1964 and studied LLB in Allahabad University but could not complete it as he entered politics.

He was elected as an MP in 1967 as an Independent candidate and re-elected in 1972 as a Congress candidate.

As a Parliamentarian, he was active in the attainment of statehood of Manipur in 1972.He along with the then MP (Inner Manipur) N Tombi had staged protests in New Delhi during the demand for statehood and Autonomous District Council.

He was also appointed as chairman of Manipur Public Service Commission in 2001.The Kuki community mourned the demise of Paokai.

The Kuki Inpi Manipur, its federal units and frontal organisations recounted that Paokai Haokip fought hard in the Parliament for granting of statehood to Manipur and as the architect behind the Manipur Hill Areas Autonomous Act of 1971.He was instrumental in the creation of Assembly Constituencies of Saitu (Kangpokpi district) and Saikot (Churachandpur district) and Kangpokpi.

He was also a church leader.

A prayer group called 'Deeper Spiritual Warrior' was also founded by him in 1991.This prayer fellowship conducts a whole night prayer once in every month up to this day.

"It is with profound sadness and deep anguish in our hearts, that we offer our heartfelt sympathies and condolence to the bereaved, grief-stricken family members.

We pray that the consolation and visitation of the Almighty be upon them.

In his passing, the state has lost an illustrious son.

His demise will be felt by the people, for whom he worked so hard for.

His legacy of progressive ideas will always guide us like a beacon light.

We will remember the visionary leader forever.

The memory of his brilliant and towering leadership qualities, outstanding administrative capabilities, will remain a source of encouragement to all, and will buoy on us with hope.

May his memory always be a blessing and an inspiration to all", said KIM.

Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee also expressed condolences over the demise of the late ex-MP.

MPCC president Govindas Konthoujam said that Paokai Haokip was a loyalist and a veteran Congress leader and also a tall political figure whose unwavering dedication is a testament of his principles.

His sudden demise is an irreparable loss not only for the Congress party but also the whole state of Manipur, he said and added that as a mark of respect to the departed leader, the Congress flag remains half-mast.

The MPCC president on behalf of the party also extended deepest condolences to the family members of the former MP and prayed for his eternal peace in the heavenly abode.

The late ex-MP burial ceremony was held on Monday.

He was laid to rest by the side of his beloved wife.

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