Tura, Sept 6: The first session of the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC), since the formation and swearing-in of the newly elected 29 MDCs, began in Tura on Monday with members paying their obeisance and respect to past colleagues who have passed away.

The three-day session is taking place after facing delays and postponement due to the Covid pandemic.

It also comes after a long drawn battle between the council authorities and its employees who went on one of the longest protest strikes over unpaid dues.

On Monday, there was to be no confrontation on policy between the ruling and opposition as members from both sides joined hands in expressing condolences to families of past colleagues who passed away during this year.

List of former leaders condoled

Respects were paid to 99-year-old and former Chief Executive Member, Bimsing R Marak who died from Covid infection in July, this year.

The veteran politician who was elected to GHADC multiple times was fondly remembered by members from both the NCP, Congress, Independents and others.

Current CEM Benedic R Marak of the NCP termed the departed members as dynamic leaders who left behind a rich legacy.

Condolences were paid to former Chairman and ex-Tura MDC Locksley Robinhood Ch Momin, former MDCs Greendas Marak, Admiral K Sangma, Bijon Bihari Rechil, Mrinal R Marak, and Jogonsing D Sangma.

Congress MDCs Sadhiarani M Sangma and Cherak W Momin also joined the rest of the House in paying their condolences to the late leaders.

“It is sad because they are no longer amongst us. The good works they have down will be remembered,” stated the two Congress members in their condolence.