SHILLONG, APR 23: The State Funeral of (Late) J. D. Rymbai, former Chief Minister and Speaker of Meghalaya was held on Saturday at Mawlai Madan Heh, Shillong with all befitting honours.
It may be mentioned here that (Late) Shri J. D. Rymbai, during his long political career as the MLA of  Jirang Legislative Assembly Constituency held many important posts and portfolios and also served as the Chief Minister and Speaker of Meghalaya.
The dignitaries who spoke during the State Funeral were Meghalaya Deputy Chief Minister Shri Prestone Tynsong, Speaker Meghalaya Legislative Assembly, Shri Metbah Lyngdoh, MLA Jirang Constituency, Shri Sosthenes Sohtun and representative of the family Shri Norbert Pathaw.
During the State funeral, the condolence message of the Chief Minister of Meghalaya, Shri Conrad K. Sangma was read by the Deputy Commissioner, East Khasi Hills District Smti Isawanda Laloo.
The State funeral was also attended by Cabinet Ministers, Shri James P.K. Sangma, Shri Lahkmen Rymbui, Shri Hamletson Dohling, Shri Renikton Lyngdoh Tongkhar, Leader of Opposition Dr. Mukul Sangma, MLAs, MDCs, Additional Chief Secretary, Shri D. P. Wahlang, senior government officials and family, friends and well wishers of (Late) Shri J. D. Rymbai.
Later, the mortal remains of (Late) J. D. Rymbai was laid to rest at the cemetery of the Mawlai Phudmuri Presbyterian Church, Mawroh, Shillong.
A resident of Mawlai Mawdatbaki Dong Nongpathaw, Rymbai passed away on April 21. He was 87.
Rymbai was the MLA of Jirang constituency continuously from 1988 to 2013.
In 2013, he did not contest Assembly elections and announced his retirement from active politics.
Rymbai was a school teacher before joining politics. He joined politics in 1983, but lost his first election from Jirang in 1983. From 1988 onwards he was elected as Congress MLA from Jirang, but in 2008 Assembly elections, he left Congress and successfully contested as candidate of the United Democratic Party (UDP)
Rymbai was the Speaker of the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly in 1993, and in 1988, he held the post of Deputy Speaker.
He had held several positions as minister as well as Chairman of the Meghalaya Economic Development Council.
As Chief Minister of the state from 15th June 2006 to 10th March, 2007, Rymbai was the last Chief Minister who stayed at Tara Ghar, an official Chief Minister’s Bungalow, whereas other Chief Ministers avoided to stay in this official bungalow.
Now Tara Ghar has been converted into a State Guest House.
Rymbai was also the last Chief Minister who used Ambassador for his official duty.
The Meghalaya government has declared a three-day state mourning due to the demise of the veteran political leader April 21 to 23.
No official entertainment will organised and the national flag should be flown at half mast in all government establishments throughout the state of Meghalaya during the period of state mourning.
By Our Reporter
+ There are no comments
Add yours