DIMAPUR — Nagaland
government has declared a seven-day state mourning for former Prime Minister
Dr. Manmohan Singh, who passed away on December 26 at AIIMS Hospital, New
Delhi.
The state mourning, from December 26 to Jan. 1, 2025, was
announced by the Home department as a mark of respect for the departed leader.
During this period, the national flag will be flown at
half-mast in all locations where it is regularly displayed. The state
government has also directed that no official entertainment shall take place
during the mourning period.
Dr. Manmohan Singh, widely regarded as an architect of
India’s economic reforms, served as Prime Minister from 2004 to 2014. Before
his tenure as Prime Minister, he held key positions of Governor of the Reserve
Bank of India and Union Finance Minister, among others.
According to the PTI news agency, Singh’s mortal remains
will be kept at his residence, 3 Motilal Nehru Road, on Friday for the public
to offer their tributes. On Saturday (Dec. 28), his mortal remains will be
taken to the All India Congress Committee headquarters, where the public and Congress
workers will have the opportunity to offer their tributes before the cremation
at 9:30 am, it reported.
CM Rio, others convey condolences
Leaders from Nagaland, including Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio
and Deputy Chief Ministers TR Zeliang and Y Patton, expressed their condolences
on the microblogging site X.
Describing Singh as a “humble visionary who shaped India’s
economic growth,” Rio said his “calm leadership, wisdom, and humility” would
always be remembered. “I extend my deepest condolences to his family and loved
ones. May his soul rest in peace,” he added.
TR Zeliang also paid tribute to Singh, highlighting his
contributions as a renowned economist and public servant. “In the demise of Dr.
Manmohan Singh, we have lost a great economist and an architect of India’s
economic reforms. A humble and soft-spoken soul who served the nation as the
Governor of the RBI, Union Finance Minister, and also the Prime Minister for a
decade,” Zeliang wrote on X.
Y Patton hailed Singh as “one of the most distinguished
statesmen and a visionary leader.” In his tribute on X, Patton wrote that the
former prime minister’s calm demeanour, dedication, and ability to inspire
confidence both domestically and internationally would forever be remembered
and cherished.
“As we mourn his loss, my thoughts and prayers are with his
family, friends, and countless admirers,” he added.
Meanwhile, the Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC)
has also mourned the death of Dr. Manmohan Singh, “a visionary leader, an
economist par excellence, and a statesman of impeccable integrity.”
“His passing is an irreparable loss to the nation, and his
exceptional legacy will continue to influence and inspire the nation for
generations to come,” the NPCC said in a condolence message.
