Mawphlang MLA Syntar Klas Sunn passed away suddenly today evening at his home. He was 62.
According to the Health Department, the first-time legislator was tested for Covid-19, as is standard practice, and was found to be positive for the disease. The funeral will be held tomorrow, with the last rites and other formalities being conducted by 12 noon following all Covid protocols.
Prior to entering politics, Sunn was a civil servant, working in the Public Health Engineering Department as Chief Engineer. He then ran in the 2018 state elections, which he won from Mawphlang as an independent, though he became an ‘associate member’ of the United Democratic Party (UDP) and thus on the side of the ruling Meghalaya Democratic Alliance. Sunn was also the chairperson of the Assembly’s committee on the environment.
A former footballer, Sunn was also the president of the Shillong Sports Association as well as the father of Meghalaya star and former India international Eugeneson Lyngdoh; coincidentally, today was his son’s birthday.
“I am saddened beyond words by the sudden demise of SK Sunn, Hon’ble MLA of Mawphlang,” Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma wrote on social media. “Bah Sunn always went above and beyond his call of duty to serve the people and I admired his hands-on approach to public service. My deepest condolences to his family, loved ones and admirers. May God be with them in this difficult time.”
The UDP expressed its “shock and disbelief” and the death of its associate member.
“He was known to be very meticulous in handling the affairs of the PHE Department when he was Chief Engineer and the people will always remember him when he guided the implementation of the GSWSS (Greater Shillong Water Supply Scheme) and the facelift of Mawphlang Dam,” party general secretary Jemino Mawthoh said. “As an MLA, we have witnessed his articulation in raising important issues concerning the state. He will be missed greatly.”
Congress state working president and East Shillong MLA, Ampareen Lyngdoh, also paid tribute to the departed, saying that Sunn’s death is a huge loss to the state.
