Sangma recommended Manipur woman player's me for Arju Award a day before his demise'

FROM CORRESPONDENT

SHILLONG, March 6: One who was ever ready to help those in need Late Purno Agitok Sangma did just hours before he died. Late Sangma had recommended the me of woman footballer from Manipur Oim Bembem Devi for the Arju Award.

The last official letter signed by former Lok Sabha Speaker was on March 3, a day before his demise.

According to A Rehman, a close aide of late Sangma, on March 3, a day before his demise, he sent a letter to the Union Home Ministry urging the centre to confer Bembem with the award.

“I persolly delivered the letter to the Ministry,” Rehman who was associated with Sangma for 37 years, said.

Rehman is currently a general secretary of the NPP.

It may be mentioned that Bembem retired from football after the South Asian Games held in Shillong after playing the game for 25 years.

IB Pandey, a close associate of Sangma met him about 25 years ago, said that he was a “motivator for everyone who came in close contact with him.” Pandey met Sangma who was the Coal Minister then, when he reported to him as Director in-charge North East Coal Fields.

“During his tenure the Coal Ministry became a profit making industry. He put the industry in the right direction providing motivation and performance oriented work,” he said.

Surjeet Singh, a driver with Late Sangma, who “served” for the last 16 years, “He keeps us like a family. Never made me felt that I was a driver.”

The Sangma residence had a somber look with thousands thronging his residence from across the state and the country.

Chief Minister, Dr Mukul Sangma, deputy Chief Minister, Prof Roytre C Laloo, Rowell Lyngdoh, Dr DD Lapang, Home Minister Roshan Warjri, Excise Minister Zenith Sangma and other dignitaries paid their last respect to late Sangma today.

His funeral will be held on Monday.