TURA/SHILLONG: Former Meghalaya Governor MM Jacob and father of former chief minister Mukul Sangma, Binoy Bhusan Marak passed away in Kottayam and Tura, respectively, on Sunday.
Jacob, the longest serving governor of the state (1995-2007) and senior Congress leader, was suffering from old-age ailments and breathed his last at a private hospital at Pala in Kottayam district. He was 90.
Marak, who was 86, was having food at home when he suddenly collapsed. He was taken to the emergency wing of Tura Civil Hospital where doctors declared him brought dead.
Jacob was born in 1927 at Ramapuram to Ulahannan Mathew and Rosamma. He served as the governor of Meghalaya for two terms, first in 1995 and again in 2000. He was also the Union Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs, Water Resources and Home affairs.
He was the first from Kerala to become the deputy chairperson of the Rajya Sabha in 1986. Jacob was a Rajya Sabha MP in 1982 and 1988.
He spoke twice in the UN General Assembly in 1985 and 1993. His wife Achamma had died earlier. The couple has four daughters.
The funeral will be held on Monday. Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, Senior Congress leader and former Defence Minister AK Antony, KPCC president MM Hassan, Opposition Leader in State Assembly Ramesh Chennithala, former KPCC president V M Sudheeran among others condoled Jacob’s death.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday expressed grief over the demise of Jacob.
“Saddened by demise of former Meghalaya Governor MM Jacob. He made notable contributions to the nation as a Parliamentarian, Minister and Governor.
He worked extensively for the development of Kerala. My thoughts are with his family and well-wishers in this sad hour,” the Prime Minister said. Chief Minister Conrad Sangma condoled the death of Jacob and Marak.
Speaking about Jacob, Conrad said, “His tenure as a Union minister and governor boasts of many accomplishments.
He will be remembered as People’s Governor for opening the gate of Raj Bhavan to listen and understand the sufferings of the commoners.”
Sangma also sent his condolences to late Jacob’s children and grand children.
Stating that late Marak contributed to the education of his late father Purno A. Sangma, Conrad said, “Our late father Purno Agitok Sangma had always spoken highly about his contribution to the society, particularly for the young students of Ampati area.
His dedicated services as a teacher will always be remembered. In his death, we have lost a fatherly figure, a teacher and a mentor for the young people.”
(With inputs from UNI)
