THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Former Chief Minister Oommen Chandy's wife has informed the general administration department in writing that official honours should be avoided in his funeral rites. Chandy had earlier asked his family to avoid official honours. Mariamma Oommen, his wife, gave the letter following this.

However, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said in the cabinet meeting that full official honour should be given to him. Chief Secretary was directed to seek the opinion of his family in this regard. The cabinet meeting expressed deep sorrow over the death of Oommen Chandy.

Chandy passed away at Chinmaya Hospital in Bengaluru at 4 am yesterday morning while undergoing treatment for cancer. His son Chandy Oomman informed about the death through social media at 4:30 am. His wife Mariamma Oommen, children Maria, Chandy, Achu, and grandchildren were present at the time of his death. The funeral will be held tomorrow at 2:30 pm at Kottayam Puthuppally St. George Orthodox Church Cemetery.