Obituary reference paid to departed members
Source: The Sangai Express / DIPR

Imphal, August 20 2021: The 13th session of the 11th Manipur Legislative Assembly began today with an obituary reference to the 8 persons who passed away recently.

At the beginning of the session, the House observed silence for 2 minutes as a mark of respect to eight former MPs and MLAs who breathed their last amid the COVID-19 pandemic namely Paokai Haokip (former Lok Sabha MP), Laisom Lalit (former MLA Keishamthong AC), Wangkheimayum Brajabidhu (former MLA Lamsang AC), Dr I Ibohalbi (former MLA Oinam AC), Thangjam Nandakishore (former MLA Kshetrigao AC), Purul Shepu Henry Paotei (former MLA Karong AC), Vivek Raj Wangkhem (former MLA Kshetrigao AC) .

Obituary reference was also paid to former Secretary of Manipur Legislative Assembly Thangjam Megharaj.

Addressing the House, Chief Minister N Biren Singh said that though all death is a finality for everyone, untimely demise of former House members is painful.

N Biren said that Paokai Haokai was the first Member of Parliament from among the Kuki brethren who was instrumental in the formation of Saitu, Saikot and Kangpokpi Assembly Constituencies.

Saying that Paokai was active in the attainment of Statehood in 1972 and introduction of Hill Areas Autonomous District Council Act 1971 as a Parliamentarian, the CM remembered Paokai as a man of virtue who had dedicated his life for the wellbeing of hill people and to strengthen the relationship of hills and valley people.

The Chief Minister further stated that late Wangkheimayum Brajabidhu Singh was a soft, mature and a prominent person.

He was elected three times in the year 2002, 2007 and 2012 .

He even held the Minister of State (Minor Irrigation and CADA).

He was also a successful entrepreneur.

Continuing his obituary remarks, the Chief Minister said that late Dr Irengbam Ibohalbi Singh advocated constructive criticism irrespective of ruling and Opposition.

Late Thangjam Nandakishor Singh was a sincere politician who worked to bring emotional bond among the different communities residing in the State, he said and added that late Purul Shepu Henry Paotei was a social and student activist before joining politics.

Late Vivek Raj Wangkhem who was elected as a member of the House in 2000 in a by-election and again got elected in 2002 always dealt with the public with a smiling face.

Saying that the demise of these eminent personalities has left behind an irreparable void, the leader of the House extended condolence to the bereaved families.

Opposition leader O Ibobi Singh recalled the good time he had shared with the late members.

He said that Brajabidhu Singh was a true social worker, who worked for the upliftment of the rural people.

The death of these prominent leaders is a great loss for the entire State as well.

Deputy Chief Minister Y Joykumar, Education Minister S Rajen Singh, MLA's AK Mirabai, Karam Shyam, N Indrajit, L Radhikishore, DD Thaisii, K Ranjit Singh, Th Lokeshwor Singh and N Loken also gave obituary reference.

Later, the Speaker of Manipur Legislative Assembly Y Khemchand moved a resolution of the House expressing grief and sorrow over the demise of former members and a 2 minute silence was observed by all as a mark of respect to the departed souls.

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