Shillong, Feb 19:Meghalaya Lok Sabha MP Dr Ricky Andrew J Syngkon passed away after suddenly falling ill, sending shock waves through the political landscape and the hearts of many across the State.
The 54-year-old MP was playing football with his friends at a futsal football ground in Mawlai Mawiong today evening when he suddenly collapsed. He was rushed to Mawiong Community Health Centre (CHC) for medical attention. Due to the absence of a doctor there, he was quickly referred and shifted to Dr H Gordon Roberts Hospital in Jaiaw.
According to the hospital, the MP was brought in at 7:40 pm and died at 8:42 pm.
Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma, Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong, VPP President Ardent Miller Basaiawmoit, and other legislators, political leaders, officials also rushed to the hospital
Before entering politics, Syngkon was an Assistant Professor in the Department of Economics at North-Eastern Hill University.
Syngkon contested the Lok Sabha election in 2024 as a member of the Voice of the People Party and defeated three-time Congress MP Vincent H Pala by a huge margin of 371,910 votes.
“Deeply shocked and profoundly saddened by the untimely demise of Hon’ble MP from Shillong, Dr. Ricky A J Syngkon. Dr. Ricky was a dedicated and compassionate leader, with deep enthusiasm for public service and unwavering commitment to his people. He was rooted in faith and served with humility, vision, and a sincere desire to uplift society,” the Chief Minister wrote on X.
Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar said, “His passing is a tremendous loss to his family and to the people whose aspirations he represented with sincerity and devotion. He will be remembered for his steadfast service and commitment to the progress of our State.”
The Meghalaya assembly session for February 20 is likely to be adjourned as a mark of respect to the Shillong MP.
“We have discussed with Deputy Chief Minister and in-charge of Parliamentary Affairs, Prestone Tynsong, and we will have a meeting tomorrow with the Business Advisory Committee headed by the Speaker,” the Chief Minister told reporters outside the hospital.
“It would be appropriate for the government not to go ahead with the proceedings of the House tomorrow. Even though tomorrow is the day we are supposed to present the budget, it will make absolute sense and a mark of respect to the departed soul if we were to postpone even the presentation of the budget,” he said.
