Shillong, March 5: The State Assembly on Friday, paid tribute to two Congress legislators — Mawryngkneng MLA (L) David Nongrum and Rajabala MLA (L) Azad Zaman.

During the obituary reference, Assembly Speaker Metbah Lyngdoh expressed his disbelief on the passing of (L) Dr. Zaman.

“Till today, I cannot believe it. He was such a gem of a person,” he said.

In his tribute, the Assembly Speaker also remembered Late David A. Nongrum, saying, “He was a dynamic leader who was very close to the people of his constituency.”

Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma expressed his sadness on the demise of two of the state’s youngest legislators, Late MLA David A. Nongrum and Late Dr. Azad Zaman.

“Many could not digest the news (of Nongrum’s demise). We were with him just a few days back. Whether it was the ruling or the opposition, David shared such a good relationship with everyone,” he said.

The Chief Minister stated that both the members have contributed a lot to the house in the last 3 years.

Giving special mention to ex-Assam CM Tarun Gogoi, the Chief Minister said Gogoi was a father figure for all of us. “He was a different breed of politician and somebody who would always take up the role of a statesman,” he said.

Members of the House also paid tribute to former Chief Minister of Assam and Congress Stalwart, Tarun Gogoi besides other political leaders of the country.

Leader of Opposition, Dr. Mukul Sangma also conveyed his condolences on the sudden passing of legislators, (L) David A. Nongrum and (L) Dr. Azad Zaman.

The House also remembered the first generation of politicians in Meghalaya – (L) G. Mylliemngap (ex-Home Minister), (L) Edward Kurbah (ex-MLA) and (L) DN Joshi (ex-MLA).