Shillong, Sept 10: The Meghalaya Legislative Assembly paid rich tributes to departed leaders from the state and from across the country on the first day of its Autumn Session on Friday. Tributes were paid to former legislators of the state – Mihsalan Suchiang, Obil Kyndait and Dr PW Khongjee – and 27 other leaders, who passed away during the last six months.

Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma led the members in recalling the contributions made by the departed leaders asserting that their demise is a great loss.

He said large number of them were former Speakers, former Chief Ministers and leaders who have held high posts as Ministers in the State and central governments.

Coming to Meghalaya, Conrad said all the three were tall leaders as he expressed condolences to the bereaved families of the departed souls.

Also condoling the former leaders, Leader of Opposition Dr. Mukul Sangma said, “With a very heavy heart I am condoling the demise of all these great politicians and public servants.”

Mihsalan Suchiang

The Chief Minister recalled that Mihsalan Suchiang was a senior United Democratic Party (UDP) leader and a four time legislator from Jaintia Hills region.

Also condoling the passing away of Suchiang, Leader of Opposition Dr. Mukul Sangma said, “He was a politician who can be emulated by many of us, a man with a sense of commitment and true service to the people.”

He also recalled how Suchiang was good in English language while making submission inside the House. “He was so eloquent not only in the language but in the subject he was acclimatized with,” he said.

Dr PW Khongjee

Speaking about Dr PW Khongjee, Conrad said he has fond memories of him because he had been in the Assembly with the former.

“I also have fond memories of Dr PW Khongjee because we were in the House together…He was a quiet and gentle person,” he said, while also condoling the passing away of Obil Kyndait.

Meanwhile, Dr Sangma said Dr Khongjee was a very close friend and a colleague in the Assembly.

“It was too early for him to leave us at 62. We were together in the medical institution at Imphal, he was senior to our batch and was always available for consultation and we did take up many issues for the welfare of our students. He has been a guide, an adviser and more like an elder brother guiding all of us,” he said.

He said that Dr Khongjee also understood the potentiality of Sohra and the state by focusing on tourism for sustainable livelihood. “In his passing away, I have lost a personal friend, we have lost a committed social worker and a politician,” he added.

Obil Kyndait

Paying his tributes to Obil Kyndait Dr. Sangma said, “He was a veteran and true politician. Though he was 78 when he left us but till then he has been active in his contribution to the prosperity of the people. He has contributed both as MLA and member of the JHADC.”

According to him, all these politicians are very rare now and their passing away is a big loss to the state.