Department of Information and Public Relations

Press Release No. 352/19

DECEASED MEGHALAYA SPEAKER LAID TO REST IN STATE FUNERAL

The body of Late Dr. Donkupar Roy, Speaker of the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly, was today laid to rest in a State Funeral held at Sohra, East Khasi Hills District. His mortal remains were taken to Shella for the final burial. (L) Dr. Donkupar Roy, a seven time elected representative from Shella Legislative Assembly Constituency, joined active politics in 1988 and held many important posts during his long political career including the office of the Chief Minister. The State funeral was attended by the Meghalaya Chief Minister, Shri Conrad K. Sangma,Cabinet Ministers, Leader of Opposition Dr. Mukul sangma , MLAs, elected representatives from ADC's, dignitaries representing various political parties and traditional bodies, senior government functionaries, family, friends and well wishers.

During his short Condolence speech Chief Minister, Shri Conrad K. Sangma recalled his experiences working with the departed leader and termed him as a father figure whose experience and wisdom was always there to guide everyone. Recollecting his days as a finance minister in 2008 during the tenure of (L) Dr. Roy as the Chief Minister, Conrad reminded everyone of his humble and amiable personality. He had a simple way of looking at things and a very firm way of making decisions, he said. He contributed immensely to the State. Above all he was a good human being who always put service before self, he said.

Leader of Opposition Dr. Mukul Sangma during his short speech said that the deceased leader was one such who always put the needs of the people and the State before everything else. He joined politics to ameliorate the sufferings and problems of the people. I had the privilege of working with him and while taking decisions in the larger interest of the State he was always a source of guidance and inspiration, he said. We have lost a great leader, leader of the masses and a leader who had so much commitment and dedication for the people, he said.

Shri. B. M. Lanong, former minister and senior leader from the UDP recalled late Dr. Roy softspoken and ever smiling and termed him as a visionary whose good work was cut short by his untimely demise. He exhorted everyone to work with dedication to fulfil the unfinished plans and dreams he had envisioned for the people especially for the people of his constituency. Among others who offered their condolences at the Funeral service were Shri. Renikton L. Tongkhar on behalf of MDA and Shri. T.D. Shira Deputy Speaker of the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly.