From Our Correspondent
AMPATI, June 16: Veteran political leader and former MLA of Salmanpara constituency, Samarendro S Sangma, passed away on Sunday at the age of 97 at his residence in Nogorpara village, South West Garo Hills.
Sangma was one of the first legislators from the state and played a significant role in Meghalaya’s political history, both before and after statehood.
Born on December 28, 1928, in Cooch Behar, West Bengal, Sangma was a prominent figure of the All Party Hill Leaders Conference (APHLC), a political movement founded by Captain Williamson A Sangma in 1960, which was instrumental in the creation of Meghalaya as a separate state.
Sangma served as an MLA from 1970 to 1972 during the time Meghalaya was still an autonomous state under Assam. Following statehood in 1972, he became one of the first MLAs of the newly formed state and was elected uncontested for the Salmanpara constituency, serving till 1978.
His demise comes just two weeks after the passing of his wife, also in Nogorpara village. He was the uncle of the Chief Minister, Conrad K Sangma.
The people of South West Garo Hills and Meghalaya at large remember Samarendro S Sangma as a committed leader who contributed to the early political landscape of the state and stood firm in the cause of the hill people.
Funeral arrangements are being held in Nogorpara village, and a wave of condolences continues to pour in from political leaders, family members, and the public.
Assembly Speaker Thomas A. Sangma condoled the veteran leader’s demise, saying, “Samarendro S Sangma will be remembered for his unwavering dedication and tireless efforts in the fight for statehood. A visionary and a true leader of the people, he devoted his life to the cause of justice and service to his people and the state.”