SHILLONG, April 21: Former chief minister, J Dringwell Rymbai breathed his last on Thursday morning at his residence in Mawlai Nongpathaw due to age-related ailments. He was 87.
Rymbai is survived by his wife, three daughters and two sons.
A state funeral will be held at Mawlai Madan Heh at 2 pm on Saturday following which his mortal remains will be laid to rest at the cemetery of the Mawlai Phudmuri Presbyterian Church.
The state government has announced a three-day state mourning till Saturday. During the period, there will be no official entertainment and the National Flag will be flown at half mast at all government establishments throughout the state.
Rymbai had served as the chief minister from June 15, 2006 till March, 2007.
He entered active politics in 1983 and became a member of the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly after winning from Jirang constituency on a Congress ticket.
He was elected as Deputy Speaker of the Assembly the same year and was later elected Speaker in 1993.
Regarded as a loyalist of former chief minister DD Lapang, Rymbai had replaced Lapang as the CM of Meghalaya in 2006.
Chief Minister, Conrad K Sangma expressed grief over Rymbai’s death. “Pained to learn about the demise of former Chief Minister of our state, Shri JD 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,” the CM tweeted.
Former chief minister Mukul Sangma said in his tweet: “Deeply grieved by d (the) passing away of a veteran leader & x-CM (ex-CM) of our state, Bah J D Rymbai – deepest condolences 2 d (to the) bereaved family & relatives. Humility & integrity were synonymous with him; it was enriching working together – we’ll miss him; RIP.”
