SHILLONG, April 23: Several state leaders and citizens bid a tearful adieu to former Chief Minister JD Rymbai on Saturday.
Mortal remains of Rymbia were laid to rest at Mawlai Phudmuri Presbyterian Church, Mawroh, with full state honours after the state funeral was held at Mawlai Madan Heh amid a solemn gathering where the customary 21-gun salute was also performed.
JD Rymbai had breathed his last on Thursday morning at his residence in Mawlai Nongpathaw. He was 87.
The state government had announced a three-day state mourning till Saturday. During the period, there was no official entertainment and the National Flag was flown at half mast at all government establishments throughout the state.
During the state funeral, Chief Minister Conrad Sangma’s condolence message was read out by Deputy Commissioner of East Khasi Hills, Isawanda Laloo.
Recalling memories associated with former CM Rymbai, Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong and Assembly Speaker Metbah Lyngdoh recollected his contributions to the state in different capacities.
The state funeral was also attended by Home Minister Lahkmen Rymbui, Health Minister James PK Sangma, PHE Minister Renikton Lyngdoh Tongkhar, IT Minister Hamletson Dohling, Leader of Opposition Dr Mukul Sangma, besides several MLAs, MDCs, government officials and others.
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 the election from Jirang constituency on a Congress ticket.
He was elected as Deputy Speaker of the Assembly the same year and was later also 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.
