IMPHAL, August 11: Sitting Member of the Legislative Assembly from Hiyanglam constituency Maibam Kunjo son of M Mangoljao of Hiyanglam Awang Leikai died this early morning around 4.30 at his Babupara quarter following an illness.
The Governor has also declared half-holiday on August 12 from 1pm for all offices and educational institutions under the government of Manipur.
Maibam Kunjo was 73 years old and is survived by five sons and two daughters.
Kunjo won the Hiyanglam Assembly seat in the 2012 Assembly election on an All India Trinamool Congress ticket.
A condolence ceremony was also held this morning at his Babupara quarter with personnel of the 1st Manipur Rifles according a 21-gun salute.
Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh visited the aggrieved family soon after receiving the news of the MLA’s demise and paid his last respect to the former minister.
Condoling the death of the MLA, he said Kunjo was a man of integrity and kind-hearted.
His absence will be missed, the Chief Minister said conveying his condolence to the bereaved family.
Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam and Speaker Th Lokeshwar Singh also visited the aggrieved family.
The ceremony was also attended by Khangabok MLA O Landhoni Devi, Singjamei MLA I Hemochadra Singh, Bishnupur MLA K Govindas, Oinam MLA I Ibohanbi Singh, Thongju MLA Th Biswajit Singh, Wangkhem MLA K Meghachandra Singh, Khurai MLA Ng Bijoy Singh Konthoujam MLA K Sarat Singh, Patsoi MLA Ak Mirabai, Singhat MLA Ginsauan Hau, Uripok MLA L Nandakumar, Thanlon MLA Vungzagin Valte, Tipaimukh MLA Chaltonlien Amo, Wangoi MLA O Lukhoi Singh, Tengnoupal MLA D Korungthang, Phungyar MLA Victor Keishing..
In his condolence message, Gaikhangam said that K Kunjo’s death was a shock to him.
He said Kunjo was a considerate and a beloved leader to the people of his constituency.
His death is a loss to the whole State, he said.
Born on August 16, 1942, Maibam Kunjo tasted his first political success in the year 1974 winning from Hiyanglam constituency on a Manipur People’s Party ticket. He was appointed the chairman of the Estimate Committee.
In 1981, he lost his seat but was appointed chairman of the Khadi and Village Industries Board.
He won the 1995 election on a Janata Dal ticket and became the ministers of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, Veterinary and Animal Husbandry, Department of Information and Public Relation and Statistics.
He again won the 2000 election on a Manipur State Congress Party ticket to become the Commerce and Industries minister in the Congress led coalition government.
