SHILLONG: In a shocking development that has saddened people of the state, Lok Sabha MP from the Shillong constituency, Dr Ricky AJ Syngkon, passed away on Thursday evening after suffering a cardiac arrest.
He was 54 years old.
KHADC Chairman and VPP MDC Strongpillar Kharjana confirmed the demise and expressed profound grief over the sudden loss.
According to sources, Dr Syngkon was playing football at Mawlai Mawiong when he suddenly collapsed. He was initially rushed to Mawiong Community Health Centre (CHC). However, due to the unavailability of doctors, he was later shifted to Roberts’ Hospital for further treatment. Despite efforts to revive him, he could not be saved.
The unexpected demise has left the entire state in mourning.
Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma, Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong, along with the Chief Secretary and other senior officials, rushed to the hospital soon after receiving news of the incident.
Expressing his condolences, Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma described the incident as a “very shocking moment for all the citizens of the State.” He recalled meeting Dr Syngkon about two weeks ago in New Delhi, where they discussed various development initiatives and plans for Meghalaya.
“We discussed the future of the State without going into politics, and that was the last meeting and conversation I had with him,” the Chief Minister said.
He added that he was preparing the State Budget, scheduled to be presented the following day, when he received information that Dr Syngkon had collapsed while playing football. “I immediately contacted the officials concerned for updates on his condition, only to learn later that the situation was critical. I then informed all Cabinet colleagues and officials to rush immediately,” he said.
Calling it a great loss for the State, particularly for the Khasi and Jaintia Hills region, the Chief Minister said Dr Syngkon had been working with dedication and passion for the people. He extended his deepest condolences to the bereaved family and prayed that they find strength during this difficult time, adding that he prays for the departed soul to rest in eternal peace.
The Chief Minister further informed that a meeting of the Business Advisory Committee (BAC), headed by the Speaker of the House, will be held to decide on the proceedings of the Assembly. He stated that he has already communicated to the Deputy Chief Minister in charge of Parliamentary Affairs that it would be appropriate not to proceed with the House business as a mark of respect.
“Even though tomorrow is the day we were supposed to present the Budget, it would make absolute sense to postpone the presentation as a tribute to the departed soul,” he said.
Meanwhile, Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong termed the incident “very sad news” that has left everyone in shock.
“From my side, the government, and all the leaders and people of the State, we are deeply saddened by the sudden demise of Dr Ricky. We are all gathered here — from the Chief Minister to the MLAs and MDCs — to pay our respects. As humans, this is news that is hard to accept, but we leave it to the will of God,” he said.
He conveyed condolences to Dr Syngkon’s siblings and family members and prayed that God grants them strength to overcome this difficult time.
Regarding the Assembly session, Tynsong said the BAC will meet and, as informed by the Chief Minister, the House is likely to be adjourned following an obituary reference as a mark of respect to the departed MP.
