Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav on Friday mourned the demise of former Lok Sabha speaker Purno Agitok Sangma.
In a condolence message, Yadav recalled Sangma's contribution in strengthening democratic values as the Lok Sabha speaker and said the late leader played a vital role as a public representative from north - east India.
He said that Sangma, who founded his National People's Party in January 2013, was an informed person on international matters. The former Congress leader hailed from Chapathi village in western Garo hills of Meghalaya.
Praying for the peace of the departed soul, the chief minister extended his condolences to the bereaved family.
P. A. Sangma, 68, died of a heart attack on Friday morning in Delhi.
Sangma served the 16th Lok Sabha as its speaker from 1996 to 1998. He also remained the chief minister of Meghalaya from 1988 to 1990.