Shillong, Sep 26: HSPDP MLA and cabinet minister Methodius Dkhar on Saturday said former MP and MLA Hoping Stone Lyngdoh Nonglait was one of the architects of full-fledged Meghalaya statehood.
Speaking at a programme to mark Lyngdoh’s 11th death anniversary, Dkhar said Lyngdoh had vehemently opposed the idea of a sub-state carved out of the then composite Assam, as it would not meet the aspirations of Khasi-Pnar and Garo tribes who fought for full statehood.
He said Lyngdoh strongly advocated resolution of the Meghalaya-Assam boundary dispute.
Dkhar noted that Lyngdoh was founder-president of the Hill State People’s Democratic Party (HSPDP) till his last breath and had a long association with the Eastern India Tribal Union since 1957, later renamed All-Party Hill Leaders Conference in 1960.
Lyngdoh’s niece, speaking on the occasion, said her uncle was never defeated as MLA because he stood by truth, honesty and patience and fought bravely against all odds.
