Terence Cajee, one of the early IAS officers of the State was laid to rest in Laitumkhrah Catholic cemetery today.
Cajee retired from government services as the Secretary of the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly in 1993 where he was posted from 1981. These were the tumultuous years in the history of the state and Cajee; a quietly brilliant official guided the incumbents of the Assembly through the twists and turns of legalities in the backdrop of the shenanigans of the days racing politics.
He came through unscathed as a gentleman to the core and an incorruptible person. He is a role model.
A thinker, researcher and writer, Cajee was a trusted elder and resource person for many budding scholars and a ready reference encyclopedia for city based journalists.
He has authored many articles on culture and history, particularly tribal culture and religion. He has several unpublished manuscripts.
He served the state in many positions beginning as Deputy Commissioner of the West Garo Hills district. He was the DC of Khasi hills District in 1976-1977 after which he held many positions, finally being posted as secretary of the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly from which post he retired in 1993.
Meanwhile, the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly Secretariat has condole the demise of Cajee. “He will be remembered as a simple, humble and warm person. He had a good rapport with all sections of the society and a witty person with sharp intellect and humorous nature,” a message from the secretariat said.
