Imphal, May 17: Former Education Minister Ng Luikang has passed away at his Maram Bazar residence late night yesterday following a prolong illness.

He was 67.Luikang was elected for three consecutive terms from Tadubi assembly constituency in the third, fourth and fifth Manipur Legislative Assembly elections.

Mourning his untimely demise, members in the ongoing State assembly session observed two minutes silence today.

Many legislators, who had personal acquaintances with Luikang gave their obituary references recollecting 'good experiences' they shared with him.

The legislators also shared grief and sorrow of the bereaved family.

In his statement, Chief Minister O ibobi Singh said "we are shocked to hear his demise", and remembered Luikang as a great leader, visionary social activist blessed with cool and considerate temperament.

While the CM described Luikang's departure as a great loss for Manipur and a void that would be difficult to fill, MPP's O Joy Singh terming the former Minister as a 'loveable friend' recalled a particular experience he shared with Luikang that dates back to excesses committed by Assam Rifles in the infamous Oinam village (Senapati) case.

MLAs Ph Parijat, Morung Makunga, Helaluddin Khan and I Hemochandra were among numerous legislators who paid rich tribute to the departed soul.

Tadubi representative K Raina who joined the funeral service of Luikang conveyed prayer for resting of the late leader's soul in peace.

Raina also iterated that Luikang had all the good characteristics of a great leader.

Born in 1948 at Maram Khullen, Luikang was the eldest son of Ngatuba and had served as a teacher in Maram Hindi junior High School from 1968 till 1970.his baptism to social activities began since his association with Maram Naga Students' Union and Maram Naga union in various capacity in the late 60s and early part of the 70s.after becoming member of District Development Board (1971-72), elected as MDC from Maram Khullen (1973-76), Luikang was sent to the Manipur Legislative Assembly for the first of his three consecutive terms by the Tadubi AC electorates in the 1980 general elections followed by appointment as Parliamentary Secretary in the same year.

He was also president of District Congress Committee (I) of Manipur North.

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