Shillong, June 9: Former FKJGP president, Sounder Strong Cajee passed away at his residence in Laban on Sunday. He was 58.
He is survived by his son Mebandonnam Saiborne and daughter Lapynhun S Saiborne.
It was informed that Cajee was taken to Bethany Hospital at around 7.50 a.m. where he was declared brought dead.
The founding president of the FKJGP had represented the Mylliem constituency as the MDC between 1999 and 2004.
He was instrumental in floating the regional party, the People’s Democratic Movement (PDM).
The last rites will be performed at the cemetery of the Church Of God (Ecclesia) at Mawlai Lum Mawnei on Tuesday, at 1 pm.
Cajee is the younger brother of former Mawlai MLA, late Founder Strong Cajee, and the paternal uncle of the VPP chief and Nongkrem MLA Ardent Miller Basaiawmoit.
Meanwhile, condolences started pouring in with BJP Cabinet Minister, Alexander Laloo Hek who stated that it is with great sadness to learn about the sudden demise of his old friend late Cajee.
Hek recalled that he had the opportunity to be part of deliberations which led to the formation of FKJGP. ‘It was an honour to be founding general secretary along with late Cajee as the founding president of the federation’, Hek said.
“We traveled the length and breadth of Meghalaya with our focus to work for the welfare, safeguard, and protection of the rights of Indigenous people. I have known him for many years as a good person who has done a lot for the people of Meghalaya. May his soul rest in peace,” Hek added.
FKJGP president, Dundee Cliff Khongsit condole the demise of the founding president of the federation who was instrumental in forming the organisation on November 4, 1989.
The former founding president had also been at the forefront of preventing the dominance of the non-tribal traders in trading activities. According to him, it was during his time that the FKJGP had pressed upon the district councils to make it mandatory that the non-tribal traders will need to obtain the trading license as per the provision laid down under the Trading by Non-Tribals Regulation, 1954.
“We are going to miss him. May his soul rest in peace,” Khongsit added.
South Shillong MLA Sanbor Shullai wrote, ‘I am deeply saddened to learn about the sudden and untimely demise of our beloved Sounder S Cajee. He was a highly admired and respected social, political, and religious leader and was known for his contribution to the welfare of peace, prosperity, and humanity. His selfless service to mankind will continue to inspire and guide us for years to come. May his soul rest in peace.’
