CM, other leaders mourn demise of ex-Sohra MLA

SHILLONG, Aug 1: Chief Minister Conrad Sangma and Assembly Speaker Metbah Lyngdoh along with other leaders of the state have conveyed their condolences over the demise of senior politician and former MLA of Sohra, Dr. Phlour W. Khongjee. He passed away at a city hospital here on Sunday due to COVID-19.
Taking to Twitter, the chief minister said, “May God comfort the family with his peace and grant eternal rest unto him”.
On the other hand, the Assembly Speaker, in a statement, sent condolences on behalf of the all the members of the Assembly to the bereaved family. “He will forever be remembered for his impassioned dedication to serve the people of his constituency and the state at large. May his soul rest in eternal peace,” Metbah Lyngdoh said.
Power Minister James K Sangma, in a tweet, said he was saddened to hear about the demise of Khongjee. “I extend my deepest sympathies to his family and all his loved ones. May God give them strength and comfort them in this time of grief. May his soul rest in peace,” James Sangma’s tweet read.
Titos Chyne, Chief Executive Member of the KHADC also extended his condolences over the demise of Khongjee.  In his condolence letter to the family members of Khongjee, Chyne said that his death is a huge loss to the people of Sohra.
“I pray that may his soul rest in eternal peace and may God give strength and comfort to his family, especially his wife and children,” Chyne, who is also the local MDC from Sohra, said.
Senior Congress MLA Ampareen Lyngdoh said that it is sad to learn the news of the passing away of a former colleague and a close friend. “He was a dedicated physician, a committed political leader and a close friend. I just met him about a month back and he seemed to be fit and active,” Lyngdoh said.
“(His) sudden demise has come as a shock to me, and his passing away leaves behind a sense of loss, not just to his family and near and dear ones, but to those he served, physically or politically,” she said.
“I send my condolences to his family and as this moment of grief envelopes them. I pray that God will grant them strength, to endure this bitter loss. I pray that Lord Jesus will heal the family and grant Dr Khongjee eternal rest in his arms,” she added.
Meanwhile, former Assembly Speaker Abu Taher Mondal recalled his association with Khongjee, maintaining that it was “cordial, knowledgeable and warm”.
“I will remember him till my last breath. It is too early for him to leave us and his near and dear one. May his soul rest in peace in his heavenly abode. Praying to Almighty to grant strength to his family to withstand this irreparable loss. May God bless all members of his family,” Mondal said.