Former Minister cremated with full state honours

Jalandhar, Feb 14 (UNI) The mortal remains of former Punjab Minister and senior Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader Balbir Singh were consigned to flames with full state honours at the Model Town cremation grounds here this evening.

His son Deepinder Singh lit the pyre amid the chanting of verses from the Guru Granth Sahib.

A number of prominent peoples including Animal Husbandry minister Gulzar Singh Ranike, Chief Minister's Advisor Daljit Singh Cheema and senior Congress leaders Umrao Singh and Iqbal Singh were present on the occasion.

Wreaths were placed on the body on behalf of the Chief Minister by Dr Cheema and Deputy Commissioner Ajit Singh Pannu on behalf of the district administration. Mr Umrao Singh and other prominent people also paid floral tributes to the departed leader.

Meanwhile, Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee (PPCC) chief Rajinder Kaur Bhattal condoled the death of Mr Singh. A number of ministers, including Manoranjan Kalia, Dr Upinderjit Kaur, Bikram Singh Majithia and Parminder Singh Dhindsa also expressed griet and sorrow on the deminse of Singh who passed away last night after a prolonged illness.

The state government had shut down its offices after the lunch interval as a mark of respect to Singh, who had also remained a member of the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha. Offices of all Boards and Corporation also remained closed for the second half of the day.

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