Goa, Oct. 16 -- Thousands of people gathered to bid a tearful farewell to for mer Chief Minister and Agriculture Minister Ravi Sitaram Naik, at his fu neral held at Khadpaband Hill on Wednesday. The ceremony was conduct ed with full State Guard honours, reflecting the veteran leader's dec ades-long contribution to Goan politics. Naik's elder son, Ritesh Naik, lit the funeral pyre in an emotional ceremony, at tended by family, support ers and a large number of political leaders. Chief Minister Pramod Sawant remained at Naik's residence from 10 am un til the final rites were per formed at 5.45 pm. Earlier, Union Minister Pralhad Joshi paid his respects at 4.30 pm.

From early morning, a steady stream of political figures and cabinet ministe...