SHILLONG, Sep 10: Mawphlang MLA Syntar Klas Sunn, fondly known as Bahdeng, passed away at his residence in Mawngap on Friday due to COVID-19 infection. He was 62.
The Director of Health Services (MI), Aman Warr said Sunn was found to be COVID-19 positive after a rapid antigen test. The MLA was unwell for the past week.
His mortal remains will be cremated at the lum jingthang of Seng Khasi at Marbisu on Saturday.
Sunn joined active politics after he retired as the Chief Engineer of the PHE department in 2016. He contested the 2018 Assembly elections as an independent and later joined the UDP as the associate member on May 29 that year.
Passionate about football, he owned two local football clubs – Rangdajied United and Nangkiew Irat SC.
The Mawphlang MLA was also the father of national-level footballer Eugenson Lyngdoh who played for East Bengal in the Indian Super League.
Condolences poured in from across the state.
Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma tweeted: “I am saddened beyond words by the sudden demise of Sh. S.K. Sunn… Bah Sunn always went above & beyond his call of duty to serve the people and I admired his hands-on approach to public service. My deepest condolences to his family, loved ones & admirers.”
Power Minister James P.K. Sangma’s tweet read: “My heartfelt condolences on the passing away of Sh. S.K. Sunn… During his tenure, he contributed immensely towards the growth of the people of his Constituency. I pray the Almighty give his family the strength to withstand this tragic moment. May he #RIP.”
Senior Congress leader Ampareen Lyngdoh also expressed her grief on the microblogging site. “I’m shocked to hear of the passing of Mr. Syntar Klas Sunn… His passing is a loss to our state. My condolences to his family and to his constituents,” she said. The UDP expressed shock and disbelief at the sudden demise of Sunn. “He was known to be very meticulous in handling the affairs of the PHE dept when he was Chief Engineer and people will always remember him when he guided the implementation of the GSWSS and gave a facelift to the Mawphlang Dam,” UDP general secretary, Jemino Mawthoh said in a statement.
He said that as an MLA, they have witnessed his articulation in raising important issues concerning the state.
“He will be missed greatly. Our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family,” Mawthoh added.
Former secretary of Meghalaya Cricket Association, Naba Bhattacharjee said he is deeply shocked at the sudden demise of Bahdeng.
“He was instrumental in taking football in our state to a great height. His demise is a mammoth loss,” he said.
