SHILLONG, APR 21: The state government has declared three-day state mourning as a mark of respect to former Chief Minister and Speaker (L) J Dringwell Rymbai, who passed away on Thursday.
The veteran politician was 88.
During the period of state mourning, there will be no official entertainment and the national flag will be flown at half-mast at all government establishments throughout the state.
Condoling the death of the former CM, Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma said, Pained to learn about the demise of former Chief Minister of our state, Shri J. D. Rymbai. Shri Rymbai was a great statesman, adored by the people he served. His contribution to the development of our state will always be remembered. May his soul rest in peace.”
Leader of Opposition Dr Mukul Sangma also expressed sorrow at the demise of the veteran leader and said, “Deeply grieved by d passing away of a veteran leader & x-CM of our state, Bah J D Rymbai – deepest condolences 2 d bereaved family & relatives. Humility & integrity were synonymous with him; it was enriching working together – we’ll miss him; RIP.”
Assembly’s Commissioner & Secretary Andrew Simons in his condolence message said, “An eminent and seasoned political figure, (L) JD Rymbai will be remembered for his distinguished service as Deputy Speaker, Speaker and Chief Minister of Meghalaya. He will also be fondly remembered for his simplicity, amiable nature, selfless love and sacrifice for his people in a humble and quiet way. In his demise, the state has lost a tall and dedicated leader.”
In this time of grief and sorrow, the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly Secretariat conveyed its deepest sympathy to the bereaved family members and pray that the Almighty will grant comfort and solace, he said.
Born in a poor family, (L) Rymbai had to discontinue education during his graduation. He became an assistant teacher in a government school. He later obtained a graduate degree as well as a degree in education (B. Ed. – Bachelor of education). He went on to become the head master in a government school.
He entered active politics in 1983 and contested elections to the legislative assembly of Meghalaya on the Congress party ticket from the Jirang constituency successfully. He was made the deputy speaker of the legislative assembly in the same year. He was re-elected as MLA of Jirang three times consecutively in 1993, 1998 and 2003.
In 1993, he was elected the speaker of the Meghalaya Assembly. Since 1998, he has held charge of several ministries in the government.
He was regarded as a loyalist of the 2003-2006 chief minister D. D. Lapang. After dissidence over Lapang’s leadership in 2006, he replaced Lapang as the Chief Minister of Meghalaya on 15 June 2006.
He served as chief minister until March 2007, when Lapang returned to office following a decision by the Congress Party.
He was married to Peggymon Pathaw and had five children, three daughters and two sons. Rymbai resigned from the Assembly and Indian National Congress on 4 January 2008.
By Our Reporter
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