People from all walks of life hail Purno’s contributions
coffin in Tura on Sunday.
SHILLONG/TURA: Tributes and tears continue to flood on the eve of the funeral of Garo stalwart PA Sangma who passed away on Friday. Political leaders, pressure groups and commoners alike continue to condole the death of the late state leader.The messages of condolences that have poured in a day before the funeral of late leader are many.
Pyngrope laments Purno’s demise
Former Speaker of Meghalaya Legislative Assembly, Charles Pyngrope, who had the rare opportunity of presiding over the House when the venerable Purno Agitok Sangma was a member of the State assembly from 2008 to 2013, has termed the veteran politician’s demise as a personal loss.Charles Pyngrope, as the Speaker of Meghalaya Legislative Assembly, from 2009 to 2013, recollected how the self-effacing Purno Sangma complimented him for the smooth conduct of the State session.”Such leaders” regretted Pyngrope “were a rare breed. The likes of such a leader would be hard to come by.”
Fondly recollecting Sangma’s distinguished presence, his articulate arguments, and his political maturity, Pyngrope, who shared a close and personal bond with him, described the veteran Garo Hills politician’s demise as an irredeemable loss to the political scenario of Meghalaya and the North East.”Such a leader comes, but once. Garo Hills was truly blessed,” lamented Pyngrope.
Church expresses
condolence
The Catholic Church, through the Diocese of Tura, has expressed its deepest condolences to the family of Purno Sangma.”He was a dynamic and charismatic leader who contributed immensely to the progress of the nation and the people of Garo Hills by responsibly shouldering various offices which he held at both the state and central level,” stated the Church.
He was termed as a leader with simplicity, good nature, humour and approachability which endeared him to people of all categories.In spite of his high stature, he lost no opportunity to acknowledge the role played by the Church and the Catholic missionaries in his personal and intellectual formation.
“He was a true, valiant and faithful son of the Church. On his death, the nation, the people of Garo Hills and the Diocese of Tura in particular have lost a great human being, a patriotic fellow citizen and a fervent Christian,” stated the Church in its condolence message.
Shillong Press Club pained at Purnos demise
The Shillong Press Club (SPC) expressed sorrow and pain at the unexpected demise of P. A. Sangma on March 4.In a press statement, SPC said, “From a cowherd, to a teacher, to a lawyer, to a journalist, to the pinnacle of success in a chequered political career, P.A Sangma has successfully achieved it all in such a short span of time which will be extremely difficult to be emulated by anyone in the near future.”
They further added that late Sangma’s press conferences and interactions with members of the fourth estate are the most memorable ones as valuable lessons are learnt in various aspects of life and subjects.”On Sangma’s sudden demise, Meghalaya, the Northeast and the Nation as whole have lost a statesman and a leader par excellence who in his inimitable style represented the indigenous world in the highest of platforms throughout the globe.”
SPC has extended its condolences to all members of the bereaved family and prayed for peace and solace from the Almighty.
GSU pays tribute
The Garo Students’ Union also consoled the family of late PA Sangma. “The death of P.A Sangma has left a vacuum that would be hard to emulate by anyone.He showed to all of us that one is not born a great man, but perseverance, dedication, vision and hardwork makes a person a great man.P. A. Sangma is definitely was a great man, a leader of the Garos, one of the greats in the pantheon of the great Garos. He will be remembered as such”, GSU stated in a statement.”In 2015, he helped us a lot for an appointment with Jual Oram, Union Minister.
In 2013, he was the person who gave us ideas for the multi-purpose sports complex in Garo Hills as part of the Sports Academy funded by the Central Government.
He also helped to shape the GSU memorandum for maximum effect and Garo Hills now we have a Multi-purpose sports complex in Garo Hills”, GSU said.
The GSU also extended its condolences to the family of the bereaved.
“Garo Hills will miss this veteran leader and we will remember him as he has forever been etched in history. Now people will try to remember and recollect the good things he had done for Garo Hills. He was a charismatic leader of Garo origin”, the statement said.
Mahila Cong observes silence
The Meghalaya Pradesh Mahila Congress observed a 2-minute silence as a mark of respect in memory of late MP Purno Sangma , the veteran political stalwart who had served the State and the Nation in various capacities distinctively. “We have lost a true and dynamic representative who upheld sincere and true values in his life. We convey our deepest condolences to his wife and bereaved family. May God rest his soul in peace”, the Mahila Congress said.Earlier, MPCC Chief DD Lapang also condoled the death of the late leader ad recalled his contribution in various fields.
Grand Council of Chiefs sorrowful
Grand Council of Chiefs of Meghalaya (comprising Dorbar Ki Khlieh Nongsynshar Ka Ri Hynniewtrep, Federation of Khasi States, council of Nokmas) expressed their shock and despair at the sudden demise of former Lok Sabha Speaker PA Sangma, terming it as a huge loss to the indigenous people. They extended prayers and consolations to the bereaved family.
All India Garo Union recalls initiatives
The All India Garo Union (AIGU) in an emergency meeting held at the premises of Garo Union Secondary School, Bishop Cotton Road, Shillong on March 4 condoled the death Sangma,Scores of well wishers, admirers and members of general public poured in at the venue to show solidarity at this hour of loss suffered by the community.The members recalled that during his tenure as Minister of information & Broadcasting, Doordarshan facilities were upgraded, special impetus was given to NER, Shillong & Tura D.D. Kendras, even Shillong witnessed widening of roads all over during his truncated stint as CM in 1988-90.
CSWO remembers leader
The CSWO also poured in condolences to the bereaved family and said that his death caused a vacuum in the State, especially to the people of Garo Hills at a time when it is in need of leaders for ushering in peace diplomatically and not through force.Condolences were also extended to late Purno’s family.