Imphal, March 4: The Manipur State unit of the National People’s Party (NPP) on Wednesday paid rich floral tributes to its late founder, Purno Agitok Sangma, on his 10th death anniversary at the party’s Imphal office.
Sangma, a towering political figure who earlier served as Speaker of the Lok Sabha and Chief Minister of Meghalaya, passed away on March 4, 2016. Remembering his legacy, party leaders and workers gathered to honour his life, ideals and enduring vision for the Northeast.
The floral tribute ceremony was led by NPP Manipur State President and former Lok Sabha MP, Dr. Lorho S. Pfoze. Among those present were National Vice President of NPP I. Hemochandra Singh, Cabinet Minister Dr. Kh. Loken, NPP MLAs Sheikh Noorul Hassan and O. Nalini Devi, along with members of the National People’s Women Front and National People’s Youth Front, Manipur.
Dr. Lorho S. Pfoze said the occasion was not meant for mourning but for celebrating the life and vision of a great leader. He remarked that although Sangma left for his heavenly abode ten years ago, his spirit continues to inspire the party through his work and his belief that the Northeast can unite as one entity and contribute meaningfully to the progress of the nation.
Reiterating the party’s stand, Pfoze said the NPP would continue to maintain its independent identity even while being a constituent of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA). He stated that the party has grown from a regional political outfit in the Northeast into a recognised national political force.
“Originally the party began from a small region in the Northeast, but our great leader recognised its potential and took it beyond regional boundaries. Today, the NPP has become a national party in the true sense,” he said.
Pfoze further noted that Sangma’s vision is being carried forward by leaders such as Conrad K Sangma, James Sangma and Agatha Sangma. He added that the party currently has a political presence across several northeastern states, forming the government in Meghalaya and maintaining organisational strength in Manipur, Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh.
The programme concluded with party leaders reaffirming their commitment to uphold the ideals and aspirations envisioned by Late P.A. Sangma and to strengthen the party’s role in national
