New Delhi: Rajya Sabha was adjourned for the day on Thursday as a mark of respect to sitting member Khekiho Zhimomi of Nagaland People's Front, who died here this morning.
When the House met on the opening day of the winter session, Chairman Hamid Ansari mentioned the passing away of 69-year old Zhimomi.
He was admitted at the AIIMS for the past few days and died this morning after suffering a stroke.
An active social worker who strived for upliftment of weaker and backward sections of society, Zhimomi represented the state of Nagaland in the Upper House for two terms – from July 2008 to April 2010 and from April 2010 till date.
"In passing away of Shri Khekiho Zhimomi, the country has lost a distinguished Parliamentarian, an able administrator and a dedicated social worker," Ansari said.
The House stood in silence as mark of respect in the memory of Zhimomi and three other former members - Ram Kapse, Rudra Pratap Singh and N Rajendran.
Ansari said as a mark of respect to the passing away of a sitting member, the House stands adjourned for the day.
Earlier, he said Kapse, 81, who represented Maharashtra in Rajya Sabha from September 1996 to July 1998, passed away on September 29. He was also the Lt Governor of Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Singh passed away on October 8 at the age of 79 years. He was two-time member of the Upper House for two terms – from July 1980 to July 1986 and July 1986 to July 1992.
Rajendran, who represented Tamil Nadu in the Upper House from July 1995 to July 2001, passed away at the age of 61 on November 11.
"We deeply mourn the passing away of Prof Ram Kapse, Dr Rudra Pratap Singh, Shri N Rajendran and Shri Khekiho Zhimomi," Ansari said.
Zhimomi was chairman of Zhimomi Group Of Industries (ZGI) and had business interests in a number of sectors. Born on February 19, 1946, in Nagaland, he leaves behind seven daughters and two sons.
He was a student leader and founding member of Nagaland Students' Federation.
His eldest daughter is married to former Nagaland Chief Minister and the lone Lok Sabha member from the state Nephiu Rio.
Parliamentary Affairs Venkaiah Naidu along with Ministers of State Jitender Singh and Kiren Rijiju visited AIIMS and paid floral tributes to Zhimomi.
