TURA, MAR 7: If his life has been a journey of dignity, fame and commitment, his last journey resounded with the same
ethos that he had followed when he was alive as late Lok Sabha speaker Purno Agitok Sangma was laid to eternal rest with full state honour in the presence of dignitaries that came from far and near.
The funeral of late Sangma with full state honours inclusive of the 21-gun salute at Dikki Bandi stadium on Monday reminded everyone of how successful and popular politician he had been not only in the region but in the country.
Meghalaya police personnel brought the casket carrying the mortal remains of Sangma at Dikki Bandi stadium at 11 am for the state funeral ceremony, which was attended by over 15,000 people.
Meghalaya speaker AT Mondal, chief minister Mukul Sangma and his cabinet ministers. parliamentary secretaries, Nagaland speaker Chotisuh Sazo, former Nagaland chief minister and Lok
Sabha MP Neiphiu Rio, former union minister Arvind Netam, opposition leader of Meghalaya Donkupar Roy, former Meghalaya chief minister DD Lapang, former Manipur chief minister Radhabinod Koijam were amongst thousands who attended Sangma’s funeral.
On behalf of Meghalaya Governor V Shangumunathan wreath was laid by his ADC Trideep Sangma, and on behalf of Assam Governor P B Acharya the wreath was laid by Shillong Lok Sabha MP Vincent Pala.
The state funeral ceremony lasted for about three hours with dignitaries recalling Sangma’s contribution to the state of Meghalaya, Northeast and the country as a whole.
In the words of the different dignitaries, Sangma death has brought an end an era of politics in Garo hills. Speakers said that in his four decades political career, he has connected the people of Northeast to rest of India and emerged as the most prominent and acceptable face in India’s politics, making the Garo tribe and the title “Sangma” known.
The political landscape of Garo hills had revolved around Sangma. Most present generation politician in Meghalaya idolized him and had been together. However, due to political difference over the years, they became rivals. His untimely demise on March 8 has completely changed the situation.
The magnitude of his death and loss to the society can be gauged from remarks of different sections of the society, who came to Tura in thousands today and for the past three days to pay their last homage to the visionary leader.
After formal condolence speech by different dignitaries, Agatha Sangma expressed her thankfulness to the people of Garo hills, the President of India, Prime Minister and all other politicians from across the country, who have extended their condolence to the bereaved family.
Later, Meghalaya police personnel handed over the folded national flag to Sangma’s wife Soradini, who was accompanied by Conrad, Sangma’s youngest son, a former cabinet minister of Meghalaya.
His mortal remains was than taken for a procession through the streets of Tura, which was witnessed by a sea of humanity, who had thronged the 8 km stretch road from Dikki Bandi stadium to Cathedral church at RC Road.
After the prayer service at the cathedral his mortal remains was buried at the cemetery near Bishop House.-From Our Correspondent
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