Amid inclement weather, the mortal remains of Editor of U Nongsaiñ Hima, Lambok Thabah was laid to rest here today.
Thabah, 52, passed away in the wee hours of September 22 following sudden illness.
Thabah, started his career as a journalist in 1993 and joined U Nongsaiñ Hima in 1996 after which, he was appointed as Editor of the oldest Khasi daily newspaper in 2003.
Large number of people came to pay their last respect to Thabah who had served as journalist for 27 years.
Thabah was buried at the Catholic Church cemetery at Riat Tamdong, Mawlai Mawtawar.
Initially, it was decided that Thabah would be laid to rest at the Catholic Church cemetery at Mawlai Mawdatbaki.
Thabah has been the resident of Mawdatbaki (Pata) for several years but shifted to Mawlai Mawtawar a few years ago.
During the funeral service held at Thabah’s residence at Mawlai Mawtawar, the headman of the locality announced the alteration of the burial site based on the wish of the family.
According to the headman, Thabah when he was alive had told his family members that he wanted to be buried at the cemetery at Riat Tamdong, Mawlai Mawtawar.
“Thabah, when alive, had once told his children that he wished his mortal remains to be laid at the cemetery at Mawlai Mawtawar so that he can have a clear view of his house from the cemetery. We have therefore decided to respect the decision of the family as per the wish of the deceased,” the headman said.
The house of Thabah on one side, and the burial ground on the other, is divided by a gorge and lush green.
Many speakers paid their final tribute to the senior journalist at the funeral service.
Condolence messages sent to the bereaved family were read out and included those sent by Chief Minister Conrad Sangma, Assembly Speaker Metbah Lyngdoh, Meghalaya Editors’ and Publishers’ Association (MEPA), Shillong Press Club, office of U Nongsaiñ Hima, Seng Kur Thabah and Seng Rangbah Katholik Mawtawar.
Mentions were also made of other condolence messages conveyed by other dignitaries and organisations.
Headman of Tmar village under Umñiuh Tmar Elaka, Rostan Mawkhlieng, recalled the life of Thabah as a poor village boy and his rise to the rank as an editor of a leading vernacular newspaper.
“We are very proud of Thabah who hailed from our area and it is a great loss not only to the family, but a great loss for the people of our area and the state as a whole,” Mawkhlieng said.
Speakers from the press fraternity who also paid their tribute to the deceased journalist include Raymond Kharmujai and acting editor U Nongsaiñ Hima, Andrew W. Lyngdoh.
