Imphal, October 29: The first Chief Minister of pre-merger period Manipur Maharaj Kumar Priyobrata Singh passed away today morning at his Palace Compound residence where he was bed-ridden for the last few years.

Popularly known as Sanayaima or MKPB Singh the pioneer figure was 94 and a bachelor.

The second son of Maharaj Churachand Singh and Rani Shyamasakhi, MKPB was born on February 17, 1911.Condoling the demise, Governor Dr SS Sidhu said the former Chief Minister MK Priyobrata Singh will always be remembered for his (MKPB) contribution to the State of Manipur in various fields.

The Governor conveyed his heartfelt condolence to members of the bereaved family and conveyed of praying to the almighty to give the family strength to bear the irreparable loss.

In mourning departure of the late leader the State Government today declared holiday and the last rite was performed with full State honours.

Offering obeisance to MKPB, the Chief Minister O ibobi Singh, who was among many visitors to show up soon after getting information of the departure, said MK Priyobrata's demise has left a huge void that would be difficult to fill.

Amid presence of high ranking civil and police officials MKPB's remains were cremated at his residential compound accompanied by renditions of Manipur Rifles' band party.

Born in a royal family, MKPB lived in England where he studied at Mount Pleasant School near Bournemouth before pursuing further studies at Rajkumar College Raipur and graduated from Allahabad University.

The richly decorated MKPB served as a distinguished member of the erstwhile Manipur State Durbar (1936-41), joined the Indian Army where he served the British Empire till the later part of 1940s before taking up more important administrative responsibilities in Manipur.

He was Managing Trustee of Charles Frederik Jeffery Memorial Education Trust till his last breath.

Winner of prestigious medals in recognition of his contribution to the Indian Army including leading the Assam Regiment contingent in the Second World War victory parade at Delhi on March 1946, MK Priyobrata was chosen to head the then Manipur State Council as Chief Minister during the interim period (Aug 14, 1947-Oct 7 1948 as well as after the merger till October 15, 1949.The newly conceived Manipur State than witnessed MKPB's endeavour to lay the foundation for growth and moulding the Manipuri society by establishing financial and educational institutions among which Manipur State Bank, Manipur State Transport, Manipur Rifles, DM College etc could be mentioned.

In the succeeding years, MK Priyobrata, who is the younger brother of Maharaj Bodhchandra, as Advisor to the Governor enacted a major part in setting up of a viable infrastructure of the new-born state.

Besides serving as advisor to the then Manipur Governor, MKPB is highly regarded for his contribution in setting the erstwhile regional Medical College, Manipur Spinning Mill, State Kala Akademi and Manipur University as well.

Also regarded a great lover of peace and painter in his own right, a naturalist and environmentalist, MK Priyobrata has to his credit more than 100 papers and articles related to different aspects of life in Manipur.

Manipur University recognised and honoured his contribution by conferring Doctorate on May 14, 1988 while in the beginning of the new millennium he was decorated with State as well as national level awards.

Conveying its condolence at the demise of MKPB, Manipur Cultural Integration Conference also cited MKPB being known among the highlanders of Manipur State as Sanayaima/PB Singh.

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