Shillong, Jan 1: Skylance G. Momin, the first Garo officer of the Meghalaya Police Service (MPS) and a former Inspector General of Police (IGP) passed away today.

He was 82.

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Thursday expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Skylance G Momin.

In a condolence message, Sangma said Momin’s contribution to public service and peace-building in the Garo Hills would be remembered with respect. He noted that Momin played a pivotal role in facilitating the ceasefire process with the Achik Liberation Matgrik Army (ALMA), significantly contributing to lasting peace in the region.

Momin was also a founding member of the 100 Drums Wangala Committee and served as President of the Nokma Council. Post-retirement, he remained deeply engaged in social and traditional institutions and went on to found the influential Council of Nokmas, which brought together traditional Garo heads from across the Garo Hills on a single platform to safeguard their welfare and collective interests.

In 2014, Skylance G. Momin, a retired IPS officer, who is now the leader of the nokma (village head) council in Garo hills, has been selected for the Pa Togan Sangma Award for social service.

Beyond policing, Momin held several key government roles after retirement, including Vice-Chairman of the State Development Reforms Commission, member of the State Level Programme Implementation and Monitoring Committee, and Non-Official Member of the District Legal Services Authority in West Garo Hills.

Widely respected for his efforts to modernise traditional institutions, he also worked to strengthen the Nokma system, including securing government support for the construction of Nokma Kachari (traditional courts/offices) across the Garo Hills.

“Shri Skylance’s lifelong commitment to public service, peace, and the preservation of Garo culture will always be remembered,” Sangma said, praying for peace to the departed soul.