SHILLONG, Feb 28: The Meghalaya Legislative Assembly on Friday fondly remembered Former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh for his immense contribution towards the Northeast and the country while also paying rich tribute to 11 other late leaders from the state, and the country.
Meghalaya Legislative Assembly Speaker Thomas A Sangma while remembering the late Manmohan Singh, spoke not only of the former Prime Minister’s towering achievements in steering the nation’s economy but also of his personal experiences with the leader.
Recalling an incident from 2009, he highlighted how a deeply offensive depiction of Jesus Christ in a school textbook had troubled him as a Christian, he said taking the matter to the then-prime minister, Sangma was met with swift action.
He said that within two days, the late Manmohan Singh called him to his office and left him a note stating that the textbook had been withdrawn, the publisher arrested, and the printing press’s license revoked.
This responsiveness and empathy, Sangma said, exemplified the character of a leader who, despite his reserved nature, worked tirelessly behind the scenes for the betterment of the nation.
The session saw tributes to the late N Kayasi, former MLA and minister from Manipur, whom Sangma fondly remembered as a soft-spoken yet visionary leader. Their shared work within the NPP created a lasting bond. Sangma acknowledged Kayasi’s steadfast dedication to Manipur’s development. Additionally, the late Speaker and Deputy Chief Minister of Karnataka, SM Krishna was remembered for his role as External Affairs Minister, during which Sangma accompanied him on official trips to 20 countries—a gesture that reflected Krishna’s commitment to ensuring representation for the northeast on global platforms.
Referring to Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma said, “He made large contributions, took some tough economic and policies decisions that had to be taken during that period. Apart from that during the late Manmohan Singh as Prime Minister, we remember he had important roles in building the nuclear agreement and discussion with the Bush administration despite the challenges bringing US-India ties to the level it is today.”
He added that before the Manmohan government economic relationship with India was strained and it was only during detailed discussions and negotiations took place and the US president played a crucial role in agreeing.
“Dr Manmohan Singh has many large contributions in many ways to the overall economic development of the country and also at what level we are today was initiated by him,” he added.
He recollected his association with N Kayisi, who was a member of the Manipur Legislative Assembly and the NPP Manipur president.
“He was a simple humble person who did not have any ego and much connected at the grassroots level and his demise was a great loss not just to Manipur but also for me as he was the president of the NPP in Manipur,” he added.
Remembering Former State Minister and ex-KHADC MDC DP Iangju, he said they had worked together in the past as he contested from their party and that they shared a strong relationship.
He also remembered Former North Tura MLA Noverfield R Marak for his passion and contribution towards environmental safeguarding.
“We have lost many senior leaders like former CM from Haryana and Karnataka and other legislators from other parts of the country. On behalf of the members of the house I would like to express our deepest condolences to their family and supporters,” he added.
Leader of the Opposition, Mukul Sangma reflected on Dr. Singh’s contributions to Meghalaya and the northeast, recalling how the former prime minister was always approachable and proactive in addressing the region’s concerns.
He recounted how, during his tenure as a minister, he witnessed firsthand Manmohan’s commitment to bridging the developmental gaps in the northeast. Notable initiatives included the Special Accelerated Road Development Programme, which brought much-needed infrastructure projects like the Shillong Bypass and the Shillong-Nongstoin road, along with the iconic 401 km stretch connecting Srirampur to Phulbari, culminating in the construction of the longest bridge over the Brahmaputra.
These projects, Sangma emphasized, were not just about connectivity but about fostering prosperity along the region’s international borders.
The LO further praised Dr Singh’s role in bringing prestigious institutions like IIM and NIT to Meghalaya, acknowledging how the late prime minister responded swiftly to proposals, often sending teams from various ministries to Shillong within a week.
He also credited Dr Singh’s government for key national reforms such as MGNREGS, which uplifted wage seekers, and the RTI Act, which empowered citizens with access to information—both landmark initiatives that reshaped governance and social welfare in the country.
Sangma remembered the late Nobel Field R Marak, a former member of the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly, highlighting his passionate environmental activism and efforts to promote sustainable livelihoods in Garo Hills. His passing at 72, Sangma noted, was a great loss, as Marak had worked relentlessly to raise awareness about ecological preservation and inspire local communities.
UDP leader Ollan Sing Suiam expressed his sorrow over the demise of the 12 leaders, making a special reference to D P Yangju, whom he described as a unifying figure—someone who bridged divides between various communities and advocated for inclusive governance. His influence, Suiam noted, extended beyond politics, as he taught others the importance of empathy and fairness in public service.
