TURA, MAR 4: A pall of gloom descended over the abode of cloud as the sudden demise of former Lok Sabha speaker, who
also served as Meghalaya chief minister for more than two years, PA Sangma percolated through the nook and corner of the state on Friday.
The sixty-eight years old Sangma, often referred as the ‘King of Garo hills’ died in New Delhi today morning.
Incidentally, the first day of the Meghalaya assembly budget session saw a sadden assembly speaker Abu Taher Mondal broke the news of his sudden demise after the Governor’s address to utter shocking of the legislators and others who were present.
Mondal said, “One of the stalwart of this house and who is also a member of the Lok Sabha (P A Sangma) passed away this morning in New Delhi.”
Immediately Meghalaya government announced a seven-day state mourning in honour of the departed soul.
Mondal cut short Friday’s session and announced adjournment of the house on the day of his funeral so that all the legislators could attend.
PA Sangma,was not only known in Meghalaya and north east but he was a tall political figure loved by many in the country cutting across party lines as he had made a name for himself during his tenure as the Lok Sabha speaker and also union minister.
At Tura, the atmosphere is emotionally charged. His loved ones and the people of Garo hills are anxiously waiting to have a last glimpse of their leader. As a mark of respect for the legendary and visionary leader condolence prayer is being held across party line in Garo hills.
His mortal remains will be brought to Tura from New Delhi tomorrow.
At his residence in Walbakgre locality, people are slowly coming from different nook and corner of Garo hills.
His wife – Soradini Kongkal Sangma and daughter Agatha Sangma left from Tura for New Delhi this morning after hearing the sad and untimely demise.
Purno, who was very much present at the Lok Sabha yesterday and day before was at his 34 – Kalam Road residence with his daughter-in-law Mehtab Chandee A. Sangma, who is the wife of his youngest son Conrad Kongkal Sangma.
Both his sons – James Kongkal Sangma and Conrad were at Shillong. James, who is the legislator from Dadenggre constituency, was attending assembly session at Shillong, when the news of his father’s demise was broke to him. His family members left for Delhi by 5 pm flight from Guwahati.
His associates at his residence told this correspondent that Purno left for New Delhi on February 21. His last public appearance was at Hudalkona in Goalpara district of Assam, where he addressed a gathering at the annual conference of Rongma – Kongkal Mahari Association on February 27.
Purno’s sister Teressa Agitok Sangma( 78) who lives at Chapahati in South West Garo hills, native place of Purno, desires that her brother be brought to the village for the last rites. Purno had told Teressa that the next New Year (2017), he would celebrate at his native village with relatives and friends there.
“We will miss our dear brother and our leader”, said Teressa, who broke down in tears.
An associate, friend and National Peoples’ Party (NPP) activist Salendro Marak mourning his death said, “He was a visionary. His plan attracted me to be associated with his since 1977. We have lost a leader. We will have a hard time to have a leader like him. He has left a void in Garo hills. He will be missed forever”.
Chief Executive Member of Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC) Denang T. Sangma said, “His death is a great loss to the people of Garo hills, Meghalaya and the nation. We will miss him. He was our mentor in politics. He has served the people of Garo hills till his death”.
A condolence meeting was held at GHADC and a holiday was declared till Monday. Condolence meeting was also held at NPP’s Hawakhana office.
“He (Purno) has been advising us since the formation of the executive committee last year on finding out ways to strengthen the council for the welfare of the people. He had also advised us to codify the customary laws in true spirit”, Denang said.
His nephew Boston Marak, who is the chairman of GHADC said, “He was a great leader of the Garos, a king of the Garos, a champion in politics. It is a sad day for all. He has served the country for entire life. He is an undisputed leader of Garo hills and the nation”.
Boston recollected that his father had always told him that a Pundit had forecast that Purno would be the king of the Garos. “He was indeed our king and a great man by nature”.
Bibhas Das, a friend and an associate who has known Purno for the last 45 years, broke in tears as he remarked, “We have lost our leader. There will be nobody to speak for the non-tribals. He was a united voice for all people of the state of Meghalaya”.
A youth Congress activist Richard Marak said, “He was a true democrat and a pro-people political leader, who made enormous contribution to public life at the national and state level. We have lost a highly experience politician, who will be missed for a long time to come. My heart goes out in sympathy to the members of the bereaved family”.
A social activist Tengrak Marak said the demise of PA Sangma comes as a huge blow to the people of Garo hills. He said, “He has been a monumental figure and instrumental in various developments towards the growth of Garo hills and its people.’
Marak said PA Sangma’s death left a gigantic vacuum and he is irreplaceable in the state and national politics. He has set precedence for many to follow. He is a shining star ‘comet’, which visits once in lifetime and leaves everyone awestruck, he added. – From Our Correspondent
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