Meghalaya’s ex-CM DD Lapang dies at 93

Former chief minister of Meghalaya, Donwa Dethwelson Lapang, passed away at a private hospital, here on Friday night. Lapang, who was 93, died of age-related medical conditions. He is survived by his wife, Amethyst Lynda Jones Blah, and two children.
Meghalaya state government has announced a three-day state mourning and the national flag would fly half-mast at government buildings and no official event would be held for entertainment purpose during the state mourning period.
Meghalaya chief secretary Donald Philips Wahlang said the government has also decided to accord state funeral to the departed leader, which is scheduled to take place on September 15 in Shillong.
Condoling the demise of Lapang, chief minister Conrad Sangma described him as a “true leader” of the people whose commitment to public service spanned decades.
“A statesman with a heart to serve, his legacy will live on in the lives he touched and the path he paved for Meghalaya’s future,” Sangma said.
Meanwhile, several political leaders cutting across party lines and people visited Rymbai’s residence and paid their last respect to the departed soul.
From humble beginnings — helping his mother run a tea stall and working as a labourer, teacher, and government employee — Lapang rose to become one of the most influential leaders of Meghalaya.
He began his political career in 1972, winning the Nongpoh assembly constituency as an Independent and joined the Congress party.
Over the years, Lapang served as a cabinet minister and then held post of chief minister between 1992 and 2010.
He was also the president of the Meghalaya Pradesh Congress Committee and joined the National People’s Party in 2018, he was serving as chief advisor to the Conrad Sangma-led government.
Lapang is remembered as a key figure in the creation of Ri-Bhoi district in 1992, a milestone in Meghalaya’s administrative history.