SHILLONG, July 29: Former Home Minister Robert Garnett Lyngdoh passed away at his residence at Nongrim Hills here on Friday. He was 62.
Lyngdoh, known for his suave and popular image as a politician, had been battling cancer for months.
Lyngdoh’s younger sister and East Shillong MLA Ampareen Lyngdoh informed that her brother breathed his last at around 11.40am.
“As a family, we would want to send feelings of gratitude and love and respect to all the people of the state who prayed for my brother who had fallen ill on July 10. Thank you so much for always loving our brother,” she said.
The family informed that his last rites will be conducted on Sunday at his residence at Nongrim Hills at 1 pm. His mortal remains will be cremated at the electric crematorium at Mawbah, as per his wish.
Lyngdoh represented Laitumkhrah constituency for two terms between 1998 and 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 countermeasures to negotiate the sway of the proscribed Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council.
Lyngdoh, son of a former minister Peter G 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 at Polo when most civilians did not dare to venture out.
As Home minister he was known for ‘walking the talk’. He relinquished his constituency in favour of younger sibling Ampareen. He also served as vice chancellor of Martin Luther Christian University.
Lyngdoh, known to family, friends and admirers as Bob, was a gifted musician with his favourite instrument being the harmonica.
After devoting time academic administration, he returned to active politics only last year by rejoining the Congress party.
Governor Satya Pal Malik expressed shock over the sudden demise of the former Home minister. “In his death, our state as well as our nation has lost a visionary leader, an able administrator and a fine gentleman. His numerous contributions will be long remembered by the people of Meghalaya. I convey my deepest condolences to all the family members in this hour of bereavement. I pray to the Almighty for eternal peace of the departed soul,” Malik said in his condolence message.
Chief Minister Conrad Sangma took to social media and wrote, “The fearless RG 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 (sic).”
Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong, who visited the residence of the former Home minister as soon as he heard the news of his demise, said: “As a personal friend I will really miss him.”
“We have lost such a great leader with dignity. We had come along with the CM to meet him on July 18. During our interaction, he was still concerned about the affairs of the state. We pray that his soul may rest in peace,” Tynsong said.
Art and Culture Minister Sanbor Shullai said he was deeply saddened to learn about the demise of the former Home minister.
“He was highly admired and a respected social and political leader and was known for his contributions to humanity and peace. His selfless service to mankind will continue to inspire and guide us in the years to come. My respectful homage to the departed soul,” Shullai said.
Former Health Minister AL Hek said the state have lost a great leader and able statesman.
“The state will be missing a person who contributed a lot. During his innings he had demonstrated the true spirit of an elected representative. I also extend my sympathy to the bereaved family. May God grant them strength and comfort. We pray that his soul may rest in eternal peace. We are in London and as soon as we reach Shillong will come to meet you all,” Hek said.
Former Assembly Speaker AT Mondal said he was shocked to hear the sad news of the sudden and untimely demise of Bah Bob.
“He was a true friend and philosopher and his work for the welfare and uplift of the state will be written in golden letters. I fail to express my sadness at the loss of a personality, in the present day context, whose only vision was the interest of the people and guide everyone around him in that direction. My recent meeting with him dwelt on how to improve and increase the progress and prosperity of the state,” Mondal said.
“His demise will leave a big vacuum and will take years to fill it. His bold actions for the return of peace and tranquillity in the state will be written in golden letters as he believed peace is the prerequisite for all-round development of the state,” Mondal said.
Former Education Minister Manas Chaudhuri recalled Lyngdoh’s courage of conviction and his capacity to walk the talk.
“Bob was an exceptional personality who began as a musician, did his business management and served MIDC as an executive before plunging into public service. In whatever he tried to do in life, Bob left an indelible mark of an upright, conscientious and courageous man. All that made him a rare breed persona,” he said in his condolence message.
The Meghalaya State Olympic Association held an emergent meeting to express its sincere condolences on the demise of its former working president.
The MSOA recalled Lyngdoh’s strong commitment for the implementation of the Meghalaya Sports & Youth Policy. “He will be remembered for his immense service to the people of the state in the field of sports and games,” the MSOA said while conveying their heartfelt condolences to the family members.
The Central Puja Committee (CPC) Meghalaya also condoled the demise of the former minister, who they termed as an honest and dedicated leader who led from the front and won many hearts as a legislator and an administrator.
“He was one of the patrons of the CPC since 2002 and used to attend all events/programme organized by CPC. We pray to Almighty God to grant him eternal peace in his arms and also grant solace to the members of the bereaved family of RG Lyngdoh,” the CPC said in a condolence message.
