Imphal: Manipur Legislative Assembly Thursday observed a two-minute silence as a mark of respect to the departed souls of former Governor of Manipur Ashwani Kumar and four other former Members Laishram Nandakumar Singh, Salam Jayantakumar Singh, Md Heshamuddin and L Ibomcha Singh.
On the second day of the 12th session of the 11th Manipur Legislative Assembly Thursday, Speaker Y Khemchand Singh moved Obituary Reference as first business of the House.
Initiating the Obituary Reference, Leader of the House and Chief Minister N Biren Singh expressed his deep shock and sorrow to the sudden demise of Ashwani Kumar, the former Governor of Manipur. He said, his demise is an irreparable loss not only for the people of Manipur but also for the nation as a whole.
The Chief Minister said, in a short duration as a Governor of the State, Ashwani Kumar worked a lot for the welfare of both hills and valley. He further stated that Ashwani was a people-friendly Governor and his demise is a great loss to the State. May the departed soul live in peace in the heavenly abode, he added.
Expressing his deep condolences to the demise of L. Nandakumar Singh and L Ibomcha Singh , the Chief Minister said we have lost two important figures who had contributed a lot in the development of the State. He said, their demise is a great lost not only for the State but also for the legal fraternity. As an advocate and later as a politician L. Nandakumar had worked in many areas for the benefit of the people. L. Ibomcha also worked for the welfare of the people in many capacities such as Law Secretary and State Election Commissioner in the State.
Biren Singh also expressed his deep shock and sorrow in the demise of Md Heshamuddin and Salam Jayantakumar Singh. He said, Heshamuddin started his political career as a member of Kwakta Small Town Committee and later he was elected as a Member of Manipur Legislative Assembly. He had contributed a lot in the development and welfare of the people of the State. The demise of Jayantakumar is also a great lost not only to the people of Thanga Assembly Constituency but also for the people of State. While joining in the grief of the bereaved families, Chief Minister also prayed for the departed souls.
Deputy Chief Minister Y Joykumar Singh while paying his tributes to the former governor of Manipur, Ashwani Kumar recalled his association starting in the early 70s when he was deputed to the BSF. Joykumar recalled meeting Ashwani Kumar on numerous occasions when in later years they became DGP of Manipur and Himachal Pradesh respectively. Joykumar described the former governor as a simple man who was very approachable and ever willing to help others. Describing Ashwani Kumar’s demise as a big loss for the police fraternity, Joykumar said, “We will miss his experience”.
Joykumar sharing his grief with the family members on the demise of former Member and Minister L Nandakumar described him as a mature politician and that his legal acumen was of immense help to the august House. “It is a big loss for Manipur and especially for Uripok Kendra”, he added. On the demise of former Member L Ibomcha, Joykumar recalled his association when he became SP Vigilance and the former member was working in the Law department in the late 80s. And from there on would invariably discuss legal issues concerning a problem.
Opposition Leader and former Chief Minister O. Ibobi Singh participating in the obituary reference remembered the public service done by former Governor of Manipur Ashwani Kumar. Describing the former governor as a simple man with vision, Ibobi added that even though Ashwani Kumar served for a very short period he worked for the development of the state. The leader of the opposition prayed for that the departed soul live in peace.
Stating that the demise of former Member L Nandakumar has left a big vacuum which will be hard to fill up, O Ibobi recalled his hold on matters legal. Someone who gave his advice on various issues both inside the House and outside. The former Chief Minister also shared in the grief of the family members of former Members L Ibomcha Singh. S Jayantakumar and Heshamuddin MD and prayed for the departed souls.
P Saratchandra Singh, T Robindro Singh, Kh. Joykishan Singh, Govindas Konthoujam, Th Lokeshwore Singh and Jayantakumar Singh also participated in the obituary Reference.
