Mortal remains of M O H Farook laid to rest

A file picture of Kerala Governor M O H Farook who passed away on Thursday in Chennai.

The mortal remains of Kerala Governor M O H Farook were buried on Friday with full state honours at the mausoleum near here.

Farook (74), former Puducherry Chief Minister, passed away at a private hospital in Chennai last night where he was undergoing treatment since last month for kidney and other ailments.

A gun salute was accorded to the departed leader.

Jharkhand Governor Syed Ahmed, Chief Minister Arjun Munda and Deputy Chief Minister Hemant Soren, Puducherry Lt Governor Iqbal Singh, Chief Minister N Rangasamy, his cabinet Colleagues and Union Minister in the Prime Minister’s office V Narayanasamy were among those present at the burial ground.

Earlier, Defence Minister A K Antony, Union Minister E.Ahmed and Kerala Chief Minister Oomen Chandy paid homage to the departed leader at his residence.

Others who paid their last respects included KPCC president Ramesh Chennithala, some Kerala Ministers, PMK leader S Ramadoss and former Union Minister E V K S Elangovan.

Mr. Antony in his condolence message said Mr. Farook was a source of strength to the Congress and to the government and had proved his capabilities in all positions he held including as Ambassador of India to Saudi Arabia.

Tamil Nadu Governor K Rosaiah and former Chief Minister M Karunanidhi were among the leaders who condoled the death.

Mr. Farook was sworn in as the 19th governor of Kerala last September, prior to which he had occupied the gubernatorial post in Jharkhand.

While Kerala has declared seven-day mourning, the government of the union territory of Puducherry, from where Mr. Farook hails, declared three-day mourning.