Shillong, Sep 13: The government declared a three-day state mourning from September 13 to 15, following the demise of former Chief Minister Donwa Dethwelson Lapang.
During the state mourning, the National Flag will be flown at half-mast and there will be no official entertainment.
The government also informed that a state funeral will be held at Students; Field, Jaiaw at 1 pm on September 15 and the burial will be held at Jaiaw Presbyterian Cemetery, Weiking Jaiaw.
It may be mentioned that Lapang passed away on September 12, at around 10:40 pm at Bethany Hospital, following age-related illness. He was 96 years old.
He is survived by his wife Amethyst Lynda Jomes Blah and son, Badaplak Robert Blah.
Lapang was born to a humble and devout family of late Donwas War and late Elsibon Lapang on April 10, 1933.
He received his Primary Education in Umsning of Ri Bhoi District and completed his matriculation from Shillong Government High school and later graduated through an evening section from St. Anthony’s College, Shillong.
Enrooted by the teaching of his mother who was a strong Christian and a God fearing personality, Lapang soon followed the footsteps of his mother.
He was a dedicated Christian, a powerful speaker and a great orator especially when preaching the Bible.
During his younger days, he was a hard working child and helped his mother in running a tea stall at Ïew Mawlong (Nongpoh) and Ïew Umsning.
Despite being educated he showed no remorse nor deterred to work as a road labourer to support himself and his family.
Later he served as a teacher in Saiden Basic School, Nongpoh for five years. He also worked as a Typist in the department of Forest, Government of Assam.
He was then promoted to the post of Lower Division Assistant and soon after to the post of Upper Division Assistant in Assam Civil Secretariat where he served for 13 years.
Subsequently he then served as the Sub-Inspector of Schools for 10 years.
Lapang was inspired to join politics since the struggle for attaining statehood of Meghalaya which was commonly known as the Hill State Movement.
He associated himself with leaders like Prof. G. G. Swell, Capt. W. A. Sangma, B. B. Lyngdoh, Hoping Stone Lyngdoh, P. Ripple Kyndiah, D. D. Pugh, P. G. Marbaniang and many others.
His first stint as an MLA was in 1972.
Consequently there was no turning back for a jewel of Ri Bhoi from the field of politics and was determined to move forward and was again re-elected as an MLA in many years that followed in 1978, 1983, 1988, 1998,2003,2008 and 2013.
As the Chief Minister he was instrumental to the creation of the Ri Bhoi District in 1992.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Conrad Sangma, who recently visited the ailing veteran politician of the state, condoled Lapang’s passing away.
According to him, Dr. Lapang was much more than a political leader – he was a guiding light for Meghalaya and a true servant of the people.
“His extraordinary journey of over 50 years in public service touched countless lives. The policies and programmes he championed have left a lasting imprint on the progress and well-being of our State and its people,” Sangma said.
The Chief Minister said that beyond his public achievements, it was his genuine care and humility that made him beloved by so many.
Sangma said that he was fortunate to know Lapang from his childhood, through (L) P.A. Sangma and later, had the honour of working alongside him in the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly.
The Chief Minister remembered Lapang as a leader with a calm strength and someone could always turn to for wisdom and steady counsel.
“For me personally, Dr. Lapang was a mentor who generously shared his vast experience and a gentle presence whose kindness will never be forgotten,” he said.
The Assembly Secretariat and Speaker, Thomas A Sangma also condoled the former Chief Minister’s demise.
The Speaker stated that Dr Lapang was a towering figure in Meghalaya’s political landscape, serving the people with dedication for decades.
The Assembly Secretariat said that his contribution to the development of Meghalaya and his tireless efforts to uplift the lives of its citizens will always be remembered.
The Assembly Secretariat said that Lapang was a leader who inspired respect across the political spectrum, known for his wisdom, statesmanship, and commitment to public service.
