Silchar, March 28: Former chief minister of Mizoram Brig. (retired) Thenphunga Sailo, who passed away yesterday at a hospital in Aizawl, was given a funeral with full state honours today.

He was 93 and is survived by his wife Thansiami, two sons and a daughter.

Brig. Sailo was rushed to a private hospital after he complained of chest pain yesterday morning, where he breathed his last.

His last rites were performed on his own plot of land at Kanonbeng in West Aizawl today at noon .

Besides family members, leaders of different political and social organisations were present at the burial ground.

Earlier, his mortal remains were kept at his party office in Aizawl for public viewing.

A steady stream of mourners, including his friends and acquaintances from political parties, relatives and admirers poured into the venue since early morning to pay their last respects to the departed leader.

Mourning the demise of Brig. Sailo, the state government yesterday announced a three-day official condolence in the state.

The Tricolour is being flown at half-mast in offices and government institutes for three days. All sports activities have been called off.

Born on January 1, 1922, Brig. Sailo joined the British Indian army in 1942 and fought in World War II for the British. He became the first Indian army officer from the Mizo community.

After retirement, he established the Human Rights Committee in 1974 to fight against alleged atrocities by the army on the Mizo community.

Brig. Sailo founded the People's Conference Party, now known as Mizoram People's Conference (MPC), on April 17, 1975.

He contested the elections in 1977 and became chief minister for six months.

Later, he was again sworn in as chief minister in 1979 and continued till 1984.

He was elected as a member of the Assembly for the last time in 2008.

He quit active politics last year. His son Lalhmangaiha Sailo has taken over the reins of the MPC.

A recipient of Padmashri, Brig. Sailo was a minister in the coalition government led by chief minister Zoramthanga in 1998.

"The death of Brig. T. Sailo was a great loss for the people of Mizoram in general and the MPC in particular," stated a release issued by the MPC.

The ruling Congress also condoled the demise, saying the death of Brig. Sailo has left a void in Mizoram which can never be filled. "The Congress party will uphold his vision for the state's development," said a release issued by the Mizoram Congress.

Different social and political organisations of the state expressed grief.