Chandigarh, 22 October (H.S.): The Punjab Vidhan Sabha, on Thursday paid heartfelt tributes to departed souls who had passed away since the last session of the Assembly.

During the onset of 13th session of the 16th Punjab Vidhan Sabha, the House paid respects to the departed soul of Chunni Lal Bhagat (former deputy speaker, former minister and father of minister Sh. Mohinder Bhagat), Varinder Singh Bajwa (former MP), Ranjit Singh (former MLA), Dr. Ratan Lal Mittal (eminent doctor), Parminder Singh Jhota (anti-drug social activist-cum-ex player), Vidya Kaur (mother of MLA S. Manjit Singh Bilaspur) and eight labourers (including a pregnant lady who lost their lives in a tragic accident in Sangrur district).

Vidhan Sabha Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan also read brief accounts highlighting the life and personality of each of the departed souls. A two-minute silence was observed in the memory of departed souls as a mark of respect during the obituary references.

Hindusthan Samachar / GURSHARAN SINGH