17 Jul,Gangtok (IPR) : A meeting of the Members of the Sikkim Legislative Assembly was convened by Chief Minister Shri Pawan Chamling here at the meeting hall of Sikkim Legislative Assembly today to offer heartfelt condolence on the untimely demise of former Chief Minister of Sikkim Shri Nar Bahadur Bhandari. The Chief Minister along with Speaker, Sikkim Legislative Assembly, Shri K.N. Rai, Deputy Speaker Shri S.G. Lepcha, and all the Members of the House observed two minutes silence as a mark of respect to Late Shri. N.B. Bhandari. They also offered heartfelt condolence to the members of the bereaved family of the former Chief Minister.
In his condolence message, Chief Minister Shri Pawan Chamling remembered the former Chief Minister as a highly successful political figure who has left a distinct mark in the hearts of the Sikkimese people. He further remembered Late Shri Bhandari as being a successful politician, a successful Chief Minister, a successful Member of Parliament, and a successful leader of the Opposition. He will always be remembered with affection by the people of Sikkim. He added that the passing away of Shri Bhandari is an irreparable loss to the State.
Shri Chamling announced that all official establishments will remain closed on the day of the funeral and the State Government will observe seven day State mourning from 17th July to 23rd July, 2017 during which time, the National Flag will be flown at half-mast as a mark of respect to the departed soul. The final rites of the former Chief Minister will be performed with full State honour with 21 gun salute, informed Shri Chamling.
Former Chief Minister of Sikkim Shri N.B. Bhandari breathed his last on the 16th of July 2017 at Primus Super Speciality Hospital in New Delhi after prolonged illness. Officers from Sikkim House New Delhi immediately responded to the news of his death and the mortal remains was brough to Sikkim House New Delhi and kept with full honour till the morning of 17th July 2017. After a ceremonial Guard of Honour by IRB Jawans at Sikkim House New Delhi, the body was flown to Bagdogra Airport where it was received and escorted by a team of senior State Government officials led by Secretary Home (Protocol) Shri S.K. Pradhan.
At Rangpo, the mortal remains of the former Chief Minister was received by Chief Minister Shri Pawan Chamling, Speaker SLA Shri K.N. Rai, Cabinet Ministers, MLAs, Chairpersons, Advisors, Chief Secretary and officers of the State Government and members of the public. After a ceremonial Guard of Honour, the Chief Minister offered khada on the mortal remains of the Late Shri Bhandari. All other dignitaries and members of the public also offered their tribute after which the body was escorted to Gangtok with full State honour and pilot escort.
Shri Nar Bhadur Bhandari was born on 5th October, 1940 in Malbasey village near Soreng West Sikkim. He served as a School Teacher for some years before joining politics and later went on to become the Chief Minister of the State in three different terms. He is survived by his wife Smt Dil Kumari Bhandari, who is also a former Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha) from Sikkim, three daughters and a son.
Source: Voice of Sikkim
