Manipur Governor Syed Ahmed passed away at Mumbai’s Lilavati Hospital on Sunday. The 70-year-old former Congress leader is survived by two daughters and a son. “He was admitted to the hospital a week ago for treatment of cancer. He passed away at noon,” Mr. Ahmed’s son Syed Zeeshan Ahmed told The Hindu.

Mr. Ahmed served as a Minister in the Maharashtra government from 2001 to 2004. He was elected to the Maharashtra assembly five times from the Nagpada constituency between 1980 and 2004. He was sworn in Governor of Manipur on May 16, 2015.

Maharashtra Governor Ch Vidyasagar Rao expressed grief at Mr. Ahmed’s demise. “Dr. Syed Ahmed was a gentle, soft spoken and studious person. Dr. Ahmed had served as member of the Maharashtra legislative Assembly for many years, during which period he had also served as Minister for some time. Dr. Ahmed had sincere urge to address the problems of the common man. I convey my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family on his demise,” he said.

Iboyaima Laithangbam writes from Imphal:

During his tenure as the Governor, he declined to give assent to the Manipur Tenants, Visitors and Migrant Workers Bill, 2015 which was passed by the Manipur Assembly on March 15. It was withdrawn on August 16 during a special session. Dr. Ahmed has written a few books, including an autobiography.