Date:07/03/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/03/07/stories/2007030710071200.htm

National

Lok Sabha mourns Mahato, adjourns

Special Correspondent

NEW DELHI: The Lok Sabha adjourned for the day on Tuesday in memory of Jharkhand Mukti Morcha member Sunil Kumar Mahato.

In his obituary reference, Speaker Somnath Chatterjee said: "A life of promise of a member of Parliament has been extinguished by senseless violence, seriously affecting the proper functioning of our democratic institutions and also creating insecurity and law and order problems." Informing the House about the details of Mr. Mahato's "tragic assassination," Mr. Chatterjee described him as a "dedicated social and active political worker" who worked tirelessly for the uplift of the tribals. "Through his interventions in the House, he vigorously championed the cause of the tribals and other deprived sections of society."

Recalling Mr. Mahato's public life, the Speaker said he had actively campaigned for the creation of the State of Jharkhand. "He was associated with the social, cultural and religious activities of the people of the State and was a leading figure of JMM." After the obituary reference, the House observed silence for a while before adjourning for the day.