Meghalaya former CM Lapang to be laid to rest today

Shillong: The mortal remains of four-time former CM Donwa Dethwelson Lapang, who passed away on Friday, will be laid to rest on Monday at the Jaiaw Presbyterian Church cemetery at Weiking locality in the city following a state funeral at the Students’ Field at Jaiaw at 1pm.Special traffic arrangements have been made by police to ensure smooth conduct of the funeral procession. Educational institutions in the Jaiaw and Mawkhar areas will remain closed on Monday, even as a general holiday has been declared in Ri-Bhoi, a district which Lapang had created.The nonagenarian veteran public leader, who was revered as ‘Maheh’, was a towering figure in the political history of the state, which has gone into three days’ official mourning since Saturday.Political parties have paid homage to the memories of the late leader, who had been an inspiration to all.“His life, a source of inspiration for generations to come, was a testament to resilience and an example of service to mankind. His compassion for fellow human beings earned him love and respect from all sections of society, making him one of the tallest ever leaders of Meghalaya,” the BJP said in a statement.The former CM, who had left Congress to join the ruling National People’s Party (NPP) and took up assignment of advisor to the state govt, was described by NPP president and CM Conrad K Sangma as a “guiding light” within the party.The Meghalaya legislative assembly expressed profound grief at the passing away of the veteran statesman, stating that his death was an immense loss to the state and the nation in general.In its condolence message, the assembly secretariat recalled his decades of leadership, relentless commitment to development, and ability to inspire respect across the political spectrum.