Shillong, July 29: Former Meghalaya minister, Robert Garnett Lyngdoh passed away at his residence in Nongrim Hills here on Friday.
A popular and much admired politician, who was battling against cancer for months, died at around 11.40 am at the age of 62.
Lyngdoh represented Laitumkhrah Legislative Assembly Constituency for two terms between 1998 to 2008.
He held several important portfolios as a cabinet minister, including, home and education. During the height of underground activities in the state, he took firm counter- measures to negotiate the sway of the proscribed HNLC.
Lyngdoh, son of a former minister Peter Marbaniang, was a picture of courage and fighting spirit. Defying HNLC diktat of a bandh on Independence Day, he walked to the official flag hoisting ceremony that most civilians did not dare.
As the home minister he walked the talk.
He relinquished his constituency in favour of younger sibling Ampareen Lyngdoh who is currently a sitting MLA.
He also served a Vice Chancellor of Martin Luther Christian University.
After devoting time in academic administration, he returned to active politics only last year by rejoining the Congress party.
Condoling the death of Lyngdoh, Meghalaya Chef Minister Conrad Sangma tweeted, “The fearless Shri R. G. Lyngdoh, former Home Minister of Meghalaya was a personality we all looked up to. Cheerful and witty, Bah Robert was a friend to everyone he encountered. Deeply saddened by the news of his passing. My deepest condolences to @ampareenlyngdoh& his family.”