IMPHAL, Aug 24: The 11th session of 9th Manipur Legislative Assembly commenced today with official observation of obituary reference on the demise of Moirangthem Meghachandra, former member of 2nd Manipur Legislative Assembly from Uripok constituency, Haukholal Thangjom, former member of 2nd Manipur Legislative Assembly from Churachandpur constituency and Elangbam Suraj, member of 9th Manipur Legislative Assembly from Yaiskul constituency.
The obituary reference was the single business for today’s Assembly sitting. It was initiated by the leader of the House, Chief Minister Okram Ibobi.
Ibobi stated that (late) Moirangthem Meghachandra was a great political leader of the state who had strived for social upliftment in the state. He was elected twice as member of the House during 1972 and 1974 mid term poll in the state. He was the minister of health, education and veterinary and was also elected MP of Inner Manipur Parliamentary Constituency in 1967.
Chief Minister further mentioned that Meghachandra also contributed his sincere efforts during the movement for Manipur statehood.
Ibobi also stated that Haukholal Thangjom was another great personality among the tribal leaders of the state who had worked sincerely for the upliftment of minority communities of the state during 1950s apart from his success in attending as member of the House. He was also one of the political leaders who had fought for Manipur’s statehood.
Chief Minister further expressed his words of condolence at the sudden demise of sitting MLA E. Suraj Singh of Yaiskul A/C recently in a road accident in New Delhi.
He said that Suraj was one of the well qualified young leaders of the state. His talent on social activities and interest in the welfare of the youths, particularly in the field of personality development and games and sports are commendable.
Chief Minister also shared the sorrows of the bereaved families and praised the almighty to keep their soul in peace.
Opposition leader, Radhabinod Koijam and senior opposition leader O Joy, while sharing the obituary reference in the House, stated that the contributions made by Moirangthem Meghachandra and Haukholal Thangjom cannot be forgotten by the present and future generation of the state.
The opposition leaders have also expressed their condolence on the sudden demise of siiting MLA Suraj and praised his sincere ambition for the upliftment of youths of the state.
The obituary reference was also participated by power minister Phungzathang Tonsing, IFCD minister N Biren, MLA N Mangi Singh, MLA Dr Ratan Singh and MLA Helaluddin Khan.
Speaker I Hemochandra, after completing the deliberation of various members in the House, expressed condolence on the demise of three members of the House and later made an official announcement of the resolution for the obituary reference.
The members of the House also observed two-minute silence to show respect to the departed legislators.
Meanwhile, the 19th Report of Business Advisory Committee, 2011 will be presented by the Chief Minister in the House tomorrow.
Two calling attention motions from the opposition benches, short duration discussion on the demand for creation of Sadar Hills district to be raised by the Opposition leader MLA Radhabinod Koijam and introduction of two government bills will be the main business of tomorrow’s Assembly sitting.