Manipur’s first Muslim Rajya Sabha member passes away

Imphal, March 1: Manipur’s Rajya Sabha MP and congress leader Haji Abdul Salam passed away following a brief illness on Tuesday night, according to family sources. He was 69.
Born at Heibong Makhong in Thoubal district, Haji Abdul Salam is the first Manipuri Muslim to be a member of Rajya Sabha from Manipur. He has been representing the state in the upper house since 2014. He is survived by his wife, son and 5 daughters.Earlier the Congress leader was elected to the 3rd, 6th and 8th Manipur Legislative Assembly from Wabagai assembly constituency. Manipur Governor Dr Najma A Heptulla, Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh and other leaders of the state condoled with the sudden demise of the Congress MP. The state government also declared half-holiday on Wednesday for all government offices and educational institutions as a mark of respect to the departed member of Rajya Sabha.