IMPHAL: Manipur governor Najma Heptulla and chief minister N Biren Singh led people from all walks of life in paying homage and offering floral tributes to former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee in a public prayer meeting organised in his honour at the City Convention Centre here on Thursday.The urn containing the ashes of the former Prime Minister arrived at Imphal airport from Delhi at around 12:30 pm. From there, a procession was taken out up to the BJP Manipur Pradesh office located at Nityaipat Chuthek, where the chief minister joined hundreds of people in paying floral tributes to the Bharat Ratna awardee and veteran leader.Later, a procession led by the chief minister carrying the ashes of Vajpayee up to City Convention Centre was taken out, where a state-level public prayer meeting was held.Speaking at the prayer meeting, the governor said paying tribute to the former Prime Minister would be meaningful only when people follow his path - the path of true democracy and tender heart.The governor said, "I think if we really want to pay tribute to him, we should follow his path to serve the nation without any expectation. He died without any property or land."Heptulla also remembered her long association with the former Prime Minister, especially when she had been the deputy chairman of the Rajya Sabha. The governor said, "I hope to write a book on how democracy worked here when a deputy chairman and an opposition leader belonging to different political backgrounds shared views on matters relating to the nation."Heptulla said Vajpayee was a 'true human being' and a 'true Indian'. "Throughout his life, he believed in his commitments, and he would be always remembered for his work towards the service of the nation," Heptulla added.Speaking at the meeting, chief minister Biren Singh remembered Vajpayee as a warm-hearted leader and Parliamentarian who never made a difference between people on the basis of caste, creed, economic background or political affiliation.The chief minister said he had visited the national capital to attend the cremation of the former Prime Minister last week. He informed that he had also participated in the procession which covered around 6 km on foot from the BJP headquarters to Smriti Sthal, which saw the participation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and hordes of senior politicians and mourners from different parts of the country.Biren said a person's greatness and contribution to the nation is visible more clearly only when he passes away. He added that the huge turnout and participation by many noted and senior leaders in the said procession and cremation ceremony despite the scorching heat of around 42 Celsius clearly shows how much love and respect people had for Vajpayee.The chief minister said the country has lost a great leader in his demise. He also urged the people of the state to share the bereaved family's grief. Later, the ashes of the former Prime Minister were immersed in Imphal river by the chief minister.

Stay updated with all the Latest Imphal headlines here. For more exclusive & live news updates from all around India, stay connected with NYOOOZ.