Kazi Saab passes away

The mortal of the first former Chief Minister of Sikkim, Shri Kazi Lhendup Dorjee Khangsarpa brought to Sikkim from his Chakhung residence, Kalimlpong who had passed away on July 28 evening at 8.35 pm at his Kalimpong's residence. He was 103 years old and was under treatment since a long time and his condition was stated critical since a week ago. The State Government has taken all the necessary arrangement for his funeral and last rites. His body will be received at Rangpoo by Government officials and representatives and a procession with guard of honour will be taken to old Rumtek Monastery with the body of deceased and the same kept at Old Rumtek Monastery for public darshan. 

The funeral will be contemplated on August 3 with State honour and 21 gun salute there. The State Government has taken all the necessary steps to prepare for the last funeral of the grand old man and father of democracy in Sikkim in a befitting manner and in this regard, a high level committee has been formed consisting of the head of the different departments. The Government of Sikkim has decided to institute award in his memory and construct a life size statue. Earlier, Chief Minister Dr. Pawan Chamling soon after hearing the demise of first Chief of Sikkim rushed to Kalimpong to pay last tribute to the former CM. He reached Kalimpong at 12.44 P.M. on July 29 and paid tribute to late Shri Kazi. 

The Former Chief Minister and political advisor to CM Shri B.B. Gooroong,Minister Shri K.N. Rai, former minister Shri R.C. Poudyel, Shri C.D. Rai, N.B. Khatiwada and many dignitaries from Sikkim offered khadas and garlands paying tribute to former Chief Minister Kazi.Chief Minister Chamling conveyed his condolence to the bereaved family and wrote down his condolence in the book. While speaking to the people and the media persons there, Chief Minister Chamling said that there will be state mourning for a week and the funeral will be organized by State Government with full state honours. He said that the demise of the first former Chief Minister is a great loss not only to the State but to the nation as well who is the architect of the merger of Sikkim. The Governor of Sikkim, Shri V. Rama Rao too visited Kalimpong on July 29 and met the bereaved family of Kazi Lhendup Dorji offered prayer for the peace of departed soul.Meanwhile, the condolence messages on the death of former Chief Minister are widely receiving by State Government. 

President of India, Mrs. Pratibha Patel and Prime Minister Dr. Man Mohan Sigh sent condolence message on the passing away of former Chief Minister LD Kazi. The Government offices and all the educational institution will remain closed on the day of funeral on August 3 in his honour. Shri Kazi was the first Chief Minister soon after the merger of Sikkim in 1975 and he is considered the architect of the merger of Sikkim into Indian Union. He was born in 1904 at Pakyong and he became Chief Minister of Sikkim during 1975 to 1978.With his passing away, an era is ended.