Shillong, Sept 15: Former Chief Minister DD Lapang was laid to rest with state honours on Monday.
Lapang passed away on September 12.
In the afternoon funeral service started from his residence at Lachaumiere, followed by the procession of the cortege to Jaiaw Students’ Field, where speakers recalled the contribution of the late leader.
Gun salutes to pay respects to the departed marked the state funeral.
Later, the cortege proceeded to Jaiaw Presbyterian Church Cemetery, where his mortal remains were laid to rest.
Earlier, in his condolence speech, Mawhati MLA Charles Marngar, who was a close associate of Lapang, recalled the leader’s contribution to the Ri Bhoi district, which was formed by him.
Leader of Opposition Mukul Sangma said that at the age of 69, Lapang successfully contested again from Nongpoh, taking his defeat in 1993 positively.
Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong remembered how Lapang accommodated him in the ministry as a minister of state for the first time.
Lapang had joined the NPP in December 2018 after leaving Congress.
Chief Minister Conrad Sangma said that Lapang was a statesman whose legacy will inspire generations.
He also listed out the contributions of Lapang, including the formation of the Meghalaya State Women’s Commission.
East Khasi Hills Deputy Commissioner RM Kurbah read out the message of Speaker Thomas Sangma in his absence.
