The Meghalaya Assembly paid tributes to the departed former Deputy Chief Minister Standlington David Khongwir and former Rongjeng MLA Nihimson R Marak on the first day of the budget session here today.
While Khongwir passed away late last year, Nihimson had actually died during the Covid-19 pandemic but the Assembly was not informed and that meant that the tributes were delayed.
Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma recalled the immense contribution Khongwir made to the state and how he was one of the longest serving headmen of Mawlai Nonglum, holding that post for 55 years. He was also a five-time MLA.
He was the Deputy CM from 1978 to 1979 and again from 1979 to 1983. Khongwir had also worked in the Union Ministry of Finance in New Delhi and later became Assistant Revenue Officer in the autonomous district council.
Leader of the Opposition, Ronnie V Lyngdoh, also joined in and extended his deepest condolences.
“His (Khongwir’s) substantial contributions from the statehood movement to the government formation, has left a lasting impact on our state. I had the privilege of knowing and meeting him on numerous occasions, both before and after I became an MLA. His insights and guidance were invaluable and I often sought his opinion on matters of mutual interest,” Lyngdoh recalled.
TMC leader Dr Mukul Sangma said that Nihimson “was a highly intelligent politician.” Assembly Speaker Thomas Sangma conveyed apologies to Nihimson’s family for the delayed obituary reference.
