SHILLONG: Meghalaya Government has declared state holiday on August 17 to mourn the demise of Former Prime Minister, Atal Bihari Vajpayee who died on Thursday afternoon.
All schools, colleges and Government establishments in the state will remain closed on Friday. This was informed by the Chief Minister in his official Facebook page and the holiday was also confirmed by Deputy Chief Minister, Prestone Tyngson.
Meanwhile, politicians cutting across party lines in Meghalaya mourned the demise of the late Prime Minister while students during the day prayed hard for his survival.
Chief Minister Conrad Sangma in a tweet said, “Atal Bihari Vajpayee ji will be remembered for his contribution to India’s growth story especially his vision to take Northeast forward. I, on behalf of the people of Meghalaya, express my heartfelt condolences and pray that his soul rests in peace”.
The BJP legislator and Health Minister, AL Hek said, “We have lost a great leader of our country. I send my condolences to all his near and dear ones and God will give strength to the bereaved family”.
Recalling his association with the towering leader , Hek reminisced , “I started my political career under him when he was the Prime Minister in 1998. I was elected as the first BJP MLA from Shillong.”
Veteran politician and working president of the United Democratic Party (UDP), Bindo Lanong said, “He (Vajpayee) was a great leader respected and adore by all. It is a great loss to the country”.
He further said that during the Vajpayee regime the country was one and not divided by religious politics and the present BJP leaders should emulate his philosophy of oneness and inclusiveness.
Congress Legislator, Ampareen Lyngdoh said, “He will be forever remembered for his contributions like the Pradhān Mantrī Grām Saḍak Yōjanā which reached rural villages of the state”.
Earlier during the day students of R B Anupchand Higher Secondary School held a prayer meet in the school premises for Vajpayee’s health.