TURA, MAR 5: An emotionally charged Garo hills witnessed a sea of humanity lining up on both sides of the road from helipad
to the residence of late PA Sangma to have the last glimpse of its leader on Saturday.
People, many grieving over the sudden demise of the Garo hills strongman, waited anxiously from 10 am on both sides of the roads as shops and business establishment in Tura remain closed
The mortal remains Purno Agitok Sangma reached at Dobasipara helipad at around 12:40 pm.
Over 500 vehicles accompanied late PA Sangma mortal remains from the helipad to his residence and people visibly seemed emotional as they stood in silence as the entourage passed through the routes of Tura.
Both his sons – James and Conrad- were standing beside the casket along with the personnel of Meghalaya police, as the vehicle passed through the streets of Tura. An emotional crowd of over 5000 plus people waited at his residence and busted in tears as his casket was taken out from the vehicle.
A prayer meeting was held at his residence, which was attended by the Prime Minister’s emissaries and Meghalaya governor V Shanmuganathan, amongst host of other dignitaries.
Speaking to the crowd at his residence, Union Minister of State (Home) Kiren Rijiju said, “He was the first politician from northeast who was the face of the region and championed the cause of his people and the entire northeast. He has connected us to rest of India”.
Describing Purno as a guide and a mentor, Rijiju said, “We have learned a lot from PA Sangma saheb. Cutting across political ideologies, he gave ideas for development of northeast and always worked for the people. We have not forgotten his ideas; we will always work to fulfill his unfinished tasks”.
“We will always remember him in our hearts and will take his ideas as a guide”, he added, while paying his tribute.
DoNER minister Jitendra Singh said, “The sea of humanity waiting in the streets of Tura speaks volume about his contribution to the people of Garo hills. I saw tears in the eyes of the people”.
Describing Purno as an “iconic figure” and a “role model”, Singh said, “Ever since I became DoNER minister I have been in touch with Sangmaji seeking his guidance on how to initiate developmental works in northeast”.
He also informed that a day before his demise, he had talks with Purno for hosting a get together of all MPs from northeast on March 10 to brainstorm on new initiatives for northeast. “Nobody could ever imagine that he would die so young and suddenly. I thought he would live longer and guide us to run DoNER ministry”, he added.
Echoing Rijiju, Jitendra said, “Sangmaji was a visible face of northeast. Everyone should emulate him, which will be a befitting tribute to the great soul, who has been a role model for many politicians in the country”.
Meghalaya governor V Shanmuganathan expressing his deepest condolence before the crowd at his residence compared Purno with the Himalayas.
He said, “Mr. PA Sangma was a person of generosity. Atalji in poetic words used to describe him as a rainfall, who made his presence everywhere. He has shaped thoughts of the people in the country. He still lives in our heart”.
Describing Purno as a “broad minded person”, the Governor said, “His legacy will live forever in Meghalaya. His concern for the people will live for posterity. His vision for the people of northeast will always guide politicians. His contribution will long be remembered”.
Purno’s youngest son Conrad Sangma speaking to the crowd thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi on behalf of the people of Garo hills and government of India for extending support for ensuring that his mortal remains reaches Tura in an appropriate time.
Breaking down while speaking to the crowd, Conrad said, “My father and mother used to fight because of us (four siblings) as we were naught. My mother use to tell my father to take care of us but my father said that it was my mothers’ responsibility as his children were the people of Garo hills”.-From Our Correspondent
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