The first Member of Parliament from the Kuki community in Manipur expired yesterday evening at his residence at Saitu village in Kangpokpi district.
He was 85 and survived by his son, daughter-in-law and grandson.
He died of gland cancer.
He was elected as an MP in 1967 and re-elected in 1972.As a Parliamentarian, he was active in the attainment of Statehood for Manipur in 1972.The then MP from Inner Manipur N Tombi and Paokai Haokip worked tirelessly together including fasting at rallies in New Delhi during the demand for Statehood and Autonomous District Council.
He was also appointed as Chairman of Manipur Public Service Commission in 2001 .
Despite his high life, he maintained a low profile.
Many have mourned the demise of Paokai Haokip due to cancer of the gland and condolence messages have poured in from various organizations.
Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) president, Govindas Konthoujam said Paokai Haokip was elected from Outer Manipur Parliamentary Constituency in 1967 and 1976 and added he was a loyalistand a veteran Congress leader.
As a mark of respect to the departed leader, the Congress party flag will be flown at half mast, the party president said while extending condolences to the family members.
“May his soul rest in peace in heavenly abode and may the Almighty bless and comfort the bereaved family,” the message continued.
CAF & PD Minister Th Satyabrata Singh also mourned the demise of Paokai Haokip and shared the grief of the bereaved family.
The Kuki Inpi Manipur along with all its federates and frontal organisations also expressed deep regret the demise of the ex-MP.
During his ten years stint as a Parliamentarian Paokai Haokip lobbied in the Lok Sabha for Statehood.
He was also an architect behind the Manipur Hill Areas Autonomous Act of 1971. He was instrumental in the creation of Assembly Constituencies of Saitu (Kangpokpi district), Saikot (Churachandpur Dist.) and Kangpokpi, said KIM.
“It is with profound sadness and deep anguish in our hearts, that we offer our heartfelt sympathies and condolence to the bereaved, grief-stricken family members.
We pray that the consolation and visitation of the Almighty be upon them.
In his passing, the State has lost an illustrious son.
His demise, will be felt by the people, for whom he worked so hard for.
His legacy of progressive ideas will always guide us like a beacon.
We will remember the visionary leader forever.
The memory of his brilliant and towering leadership qualities, outstanding administrative capabilities, will remain a source of encouragement to all, and will buoy us with hope.
May his memory always be a blessing and an inspiration to all” said KIM.
The late ex-MP burial ceremony was held today following strict Covid protocols at Saitu village.
He was laid to rest by the side of his wife.
(Courtesy: The Sangai Express)
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