Political Lens

Remains of former senior legislator cremated

The remains of Ragdi, former vice-chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, China's top legislature, were cremated on Thursday in Beijing.

Xi Jinping, along with other Party and State leaders including Li Qiang, Zhao Leji, Wang Huning, Cai Qi, Ding Xuexiang and Li Xi, bade farewell to Ragdi at Babaoshan Revolutionary Cemetery.

Amid solemn music, they walked slowly toward Ragdi's body and stood in silent tribute. They then paid their final respects with three bows, shook hands with his family members and offered condolences.

Ragdi, who was 87, died of illness on June 6 in Beijing.

He had served as a vice-chairman of the 10th NPC Standing Committee. He was extolled as an excellent member of the Communist Party of China, a loyal communist soldier, an outstanding leader in the work on ethnic affairs and socialist legal system development, and an excellent son of the Tibetan people.

Xi Jinping, Li Qiang, Zhao Leji, Wang Huning, Cai Qi, Ding Xuexiang, Li Xi, Han Zheng and Hu Jintao either visited Ragdi while he was in the hospital, or mourned for him and sent condolences to his family through various means following his passing.

Xinhua