SHILLONG: Governor Ganga Prasad as well as state politicians cutting across party lines condoled the death of former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee on Thursday.
“The nation lost an able parliamentarian, a statesman par excellence, and an extra ordinary human being. The nation will gratefully remember his phenomenal contributions during his stint as the Prime Minister of India between 1999 and 2004 – the Pokhran nuclear test, his role during the Kargil War, and the initiation of the Golden Quadrilateral being the most notable of them,” a statement issued by Raj Bhavan read.
The state government declared holiday on Friday to mourn the demise of Vajpayee. “All schools, colleges and government establishments will remain closed,” the official Facebook page of Chief Minister Conrad Sangma read.
Later, Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong confirmed the state holiday.
Besides, Meghalaya will observe seven-day state mourning, a directive of the chief secretary to deputy commissioners said. During this period, the national flag will be flown at half mast across the state and there will be no official entertainment.
“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 heart rest in peace,” the chief minister tweeted in the evening.
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 leader, Hek said he started his political career under Vajpayee when he was the prime minister in 1998. “I was elected for the first time as the first BJP MLA from Shillong,” he added. Veteran politician and working president of UDP Bindo Lanong said, “He was a great leader respected and adored by all. It is a great loss to the country.”
He further said during the Vajpayee regime the country was one and not divided by religious politics and the present BJP leaders should emulate his philosophies of oneness and inclusiveness.
Congress legislator Ampareen Lyngdoh said, “He will be forever remembered for his contributions like the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana which reached rural villages of the state.”
Jamil Ahmed, the state president of the Lok Janshakti Party, also condoled the death of “the great leader, patriot and freedom fighter”.
“The country has lost a great thinker, poet and visionary loved by all,” a statement to the media said, adding it was “an irreparable loss”.
Earlier in the day, students of RB Anupchand Higher Secondary School held a prayer meet on the school premises for Vajpayee’s health.
NEHU holiday
North-Eastern Hill University has expressed shock and grief over Vajpayee’s demise and declared a full holiday on Friday with a half-flag to be flown up to August 22, a statement said.
