By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, April 24: Pioneer of the Amur Falcon Festival, Aloysius Nongpoh, passed away after suffering a massive heart attack during the VPP rally at Motphran on Wednesday, according to a delayed report.
Nongpoh, who was also adviser to the Hills Farmers’ Union (HFU), Ri-Bhoi, collapsed at around 2:45 PM when VPP leaders were addressing a large gathering on their eight-point charter of demands.
It is learnt that doctors present at the rally immediately attempted to revive him by administering CPR.
When there was no response, he was rushed to Dr. H. Gordon Roberts Hospital, where doctors attempted to resuscitate him. However, he was later declared dead.
His funeral was held at his native village Byrsiej in the Tyrso area of Ri-Bhoi district on Friday.
Nongpoh was widely known for his contributions to farmers’ welfare and wildlife conservation.
As an adviser of the HFU, he played a key role in advocating for the interests of the farming community in Ri-Bhoi. He was also instrumental in organising the Amur Falcon Festival in Tyrso and Umru villages.
As secretary of the Tyrso Valley Wildlife Protection Society (TVWPS), Nongpoh was actively involved in protecting Amur falcons in the region over the past several years.
HFU general secretary Allfonbirth Kharsyntiew condoled his demise, describing it as a major loss to the farming community.
“He spearheaded efforts to protect the interests of farmers in Ri-Bhoi and was deeply committed to environmental conservation,” Kharsyntiew said.
He also remembered Nongpoh as a nature lover who played a crucial role in raising awareness among local communities to protect wildlife and refrain from harming birds and animals.
