By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Sep 13: The personal and political journey of former five-time chief minister, Donwa Dethwelson Lapang — fondly remembered as DD Lapang or “Maheh” — was one marked by deprivation, determination and resilience. His early life bore similarities to that of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, selling tea along with his mother as they managed tea stalls at Iew Mawlong (Nongpoh) and Iew Umsning. Despite his education, he never shied away from hardship and even worked as a road labourer to support his family.
From those humble beginnings, Lapang went on to serve as a school teacher, then in various capacities under the Assam government, before rising to become one of Meghalaya’s most prominent politicians, dominating the political landscape for nearly half a century.
He was the last surviving member of the first Meghalaya Assembly (1972–78) and was sworn in as chief minister five times — a record for Meghalaya. However, he never completed a full five-year term.
Lapang first assumed the CM’s chair in 1992 and held it until February 1993. He returned to office on March 4, 2003, but resigned on June 15, 2006, due to disagreements within the coalition.
He was reappointed CM on March 20, 2007. Following the Assembly elections, he again took charge as CM on March 10, 2008, but resigned within nine days as he commanded the support of only 28 MLAs in the 60-member House. His last stint came on May 13, 2009, after the state had been under President’s Rule for two months.
Earlier in his career, Lapang also became the first Home Minister of Meghalaya to resign, stepping down on June 23, 1987, following large-scale violence in Shillong that led to police firing, leaving four people dead and several injured. His resignation, advised by then Chief Minister Capt. Williamson A. Sangma, was accepted by Governor Bhishma Narain Singh. The violence even saw a mob attack Lapang’s residence at Jaiaw.
As CM, Lapang was instrumental in the creation of Ri-Bhoi District, inaugurated on June 4, 1992, a historic milestone for the people of the district and the state.
He first entered politics in 1972, winning as an Independent candidate from Nongpoh. He later joined the Congress in 1978 and continued his winning streak in every election except in 1993, when HSPDP’s Constantine Lyngdoh defeated him by 1,095 votes — the only electoral loss of his career.
He also served as Deputy Chief Minister in the UDP-led government under Brington Buhai Lyngdoh (1998–99) and again under the People’s Forum of Meghalaya led by Dr. Flinder Anderson Khonglam. Over the years, he held numerous key positions, including Chairman of the State Planning Board (1993–95), Chairman of the Commission on Resource Mobilisation (1995–97), Leader of the Congress Legislative Party, and Leader of the Opposition (March–July 1998).
Born on April 10, 1929, to Donwas War and Elsibon Lapang, he grew up in a devout family with three sisters and two brothers. He studied in Umsning, completed matriculation from Shillong Government High School, and graduated from St. Anthony’s College, Shillong (evening section).
His professional career began as a teacher at Salden Basic School, Nongpoh, where he served for five years. He later worked as a typist in the Assam government’s Forest Department, and was subsequently promoted to Lower Division Assistant and then Upper Division Assistant in the Assam Civil Secretariat, serving for 13 years. Later, he became Assistant Inspector of Schools, a post he held for a decade.
In 1958, he married Amethyst Lynda Jomes Blah. The couple was blessed with two kids — a son and a daughter.