Shillong: The autumn session of the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly on Monday began on a solemn note, with obituary references to eminent leaders and personalities who passed away in the last six months.
Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma, Leader of Opposition Dr Mukul Sangma, MLA Metbah Lyngdoh and Speaker Thomas A Sangma led the House in paying tributes, recalling the contributions of former Meghalaya Governor Satya Pal Malik, former Jharkhand Chief Minister Shibu Soren, veteran Meghalaya legislator Samarendro Sangma, and others.
Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma described the late Satya Pal Malik as an approachable and open-minded leader who was deeply concerned about the welfare of the people of Meghalaya.
Recalling his close association with the former governor, the chief minister said, “He was very positive and keen to support different issues that the state faced and legislations we brought in. He had a vast political history, from serving as Governor in several states to being the Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, and he shared that experience with Meghalaya.” Sangma also paid tribute to Shibu Soren, whom he remembered as a humble yet towering tribal leader. He said Soren’s passing was “not just a great loss for Jharkhand, but for tribal communities across the country.”
The Chief Minister also made a special mention of the late Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani, who died tragically in a plane crash earlier this year, and other young leaders whose untimely deaths have left a void.
Leader of Opposition Dr Mukul Sangma, joining in the tributes, said the state and the nation had lost many illustrious leaders—some after long innings in public life and others in their prime. Remembering Samarendro Sangma, former MLA of Salmanpara, Mukul recalled his simplicity and accessibility, saying he was a leader who identified closely with the masses.
On Satya Pal Malik, Dr Mukul noted his “different political approach and deep commitment for the masses,” adding that his interactions with the late governor were both inspiring and enriching. He also highlighted Shibu Soren’s pivotal role in championing tribal rights and leading the movement that eventually carved out Jharkhand as a separate state.
“His demise has left a huge vacuum in the sociopolitical landscape of the country,” he said, concluding his remarks with a scripture verse from Psalms: “He heals the broken hearted and binds up their wounds.”
Speaker Thomas A Sangma, in his remarks, noted that as many as 16 eminent personalities had passed away in the last six months. Among them, he remembered late Satya Pal Malik, Samarendro Sangma, Mizoram legislator Lalrintluanga Sailo, and former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani. He lauded their contributions and expressed condolences to the bereaved families.
The House observed a moment of silence in honour of the departed.
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