By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Sep 15: Meghalaya on Monday bid an emotional farewell to one of its tallest political figures, former Chief Minister Donwa Dethwelson Lapang, who was laid to rest with full state honours.
Leaders cutting across party lines, along with hundreds of mourners, gathered at Students’ Field, Jaiaw, to pay their final respects during the state funeral.
The solemn ceremony included the national anthem and a gun salute, after which the mortal remains were taken to the Jaiaw Presbyterian Church cemetery at Weiking for burial.
Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma, Leader of the Opposition Mukul M. Sangma and Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong were among those who paid their tributes.
In his address, the chief minister paid rich tributes to the late Lapang, describing him as a statesman whose legacy continues to shape Meghalaya’s growth and development.
Calling upon the people to carry forward the former CM’s vision, Sangma said, “We must build a Meghalaya at peace with itself, united in purpose, and soaring together, never leaving anyone behind.”
The chief minister recalled the late Lapang as a man whose greatness was matched by the legacies he left behind.
“His journey was not his alone; it was the journey of Meghalaya itself, from the early days of statehood through seasons of uncertainty to days of hope. Lapang was steady, humane, and steadfast,” he said.
Sharing a personal note, Sangma said he had known the late Lapang since his childhood through his late father, PA Sangma, and later had the privilege of serving alongside him in the Meghalaya Assembly.
Highlighting his political career, Sangma said the late Lapang served with distinction as a Minister of State, Cabinet Minister, Chief Minister, and Leader of Opposition.
“His voice not only echoed in the halls of the Assembly but also reached the last mile, resonating with the people he served,” he added.
The chief minister underlined the late Lapang’s belief that leadership was not about position but about service—service that endures even when applause fades and stands beside the last person in line.
Recalling his contributions as the chief minister, Sangma said the departed leader strengthened administration and invested heavily in youth. Among his initiatives were the upgradation of Ri-Bhoi and Baghmara into districts, the formation of the Cabinet Committee on Youth Affairs, the transfer of NCC and NSS to the Department of Sports and Youth Affairs, and the creation of the Fish Farmers’ Development Agency.
He further noted that the late Lapang’s efforts in promoting inclusivity and justice through the establishment of the Meghalaya State Commission for Women, laws safeguarding persons with disabilities, reservation of posts for the disabled and sportspersons, and his role in paving the way for peace through the ceasefire agreement with the ANVC.
The late Lapang also set up enduring institutions such as the Meghalaya Infrastructure Development Board.
“I have often looked up to Lapang’s wisdom and experience. He was a statesman, unafraid to confront hardship with honesty and resilience, always striving to build bridges over divisions. His legacy is not measured in years or electoral cycles, but in the thousands of lives he touched,” Sangma said.
In his tribute, Mukul Sangma described the late Lapang as a true political leader who perfected the art of accommodative politics.
Sangma said the late Lapang’s inclusive approach created space for everyone to contribute and be part of his larger vision of development. “His spirit and skill in inclusive politics enabled even those with limited literacy and experience to find a role in his camp,” he noted.
Recalling the former four-time CM’s long political journey, the Opposition leader said that while many at his age would have chosen to retire, it was never a barrier for him.
“The state was privileged to have Lapang, who returned time and again with renewed vigour in pursuit of his mission and vision, until his third tenure in public life. He thus became an integral part of Meghalaya’s growth and development story,” Sangma said.
He further described the late Lapang as a leader who never shied away from guiding and nurturing his colleagues.
“Despite our shortcomings, his empathy and understanding earned him the love, trust, and confidence of his comrades in politics. Patience, perseverance, consistency, and hard work were his guiding principles. For him, failure was never an end but only an attempt from which he would rise again with greater determination,” he added.
Sangma also shared his personal association with the late leader, recalling how he was mentored and guided as one of Lapang’s trusted lieutenants.
“He lifted me, guided me, and inspired me. From the bottom of my heart, with reverence, I salute him and thank him for his wisdom, mentorship, and generosity of spirit,” the Opposition leader said.
East Khasi Hills Deputy Commissioner RM Kurbah read out a condolence message on behalf of the Assembly Speaker, Thomas A. Sangma.
The state funeral was attended by Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar, acting Chief Justice Hamarsan Sing Thangkhiew, Cabinet Ministers, legislators, former MLAs and MDCs, Chief Secretary Donald P. Wahlang, senior officials, family members, friends, and well-wishers.