IMPHAL, July 1: Members of the House observed a two minute silence condoling the demise of Paolem Haokip who became not only a member of the Manipur Territorial Council, 1957 but also a member of the House from Saitee Assembly Constituency of Churachandpur district in the 1st Manipur Legislative Assembly, 1972.
His obituary reference was taken up at first in the first business of Manipur Legislative Assembly session today which started at 11 am.
Taking part in the obituary reference, Minister Ngamthang Haokip of IFCD and Government Press said that Late Paolen Hoakip was the king of Saitu village.
Stating that the Minister himself was elected from Saitu A/C, he described Paolen Haokip as a well-known and remarkable person and the first among Kukis who set foot at Imphal and resided at Imphal by constructing buildings while adding that he was a member of the House from 1957 to 1962. He won the election which was held for the first time after Manipur attained statehood, he pointed out and continued that he formed a political party known as Kuki National Assembly (KNA) in 1974 and was also engaged in various activities.
He said that he shared the heartfelt sorrow of the bereaved family.
Taking part in obituary reference, Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh said that Late Paolem Haokip was born on March 20, 1918 and continued that he was a timber merchant by profession and converted to Christianity.
He is the longest-lived village chief and was a close friend of Maharaj Bodhachandra, he informed while adding that he made remarkable achievements for territorial integrity of Manipur and he participated in the hunger strike over the demand for statehood of Manipur at the Boat club of New Delhi.