Sitting Meghalaya MLA passes away

Shillong, Sept 7 (UNI) Former Meghalaya Agriculture Minister and sitting United Democratic Party MLA Kyrmen Susngi died at Guwahati Neurological and Research Centre in Assam today after a brief illness. He was 51.

He is survived by two sons and one daughter.

Susngi was suffering from cerebral aneurysm for the last two months, family sources said.

Mr Susngi first became MLA from Nongbah Wahiajer constituency in Jaintia Hills district in 1988 and was appointed the Chairman of Meghalaya Government Construction Corporation Limited.

He was re-elected in 1998 and 2003 Assembly polls on United Democratic Party ticket and elevated to cabinet rank in the B B Lyngdoh ministry.

Mr Susngi was also elected twice as member of Jaintia Hills Autonomous District Council in 1983-1989 on Hill People's Union ticket from Nongbah constituency and 1994-1999 on a Congress ticket from Moodymai constituency. He was appointed as Chairman of the Autonomous District Council.

He held portfolios of Agriculture, Public Work Department, Housing, Information and Public Relations, Cooperation, Horticulture and Tourism.

His mortal remains were taken to his native village at Nongbah in Jaintia Hills District.

He will be laid to rest on September 9.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister D D Lapang has expressed his deep sorrow at the demise of Mr Kyrmen Susngi.

In a condolence message, he said that Mr Susngi's death was a great loss to the State as a whole.

Deputy Chief Minister and United Democratic Party President Dr Donkupar Roy also condoled the death of Susngi. He said the death of Susngi has created a void in the party.

UNI