Correspondent
The Meghalaya Legislative Assembly on Friday adjourned its Budget Session for the day following obituary references for Shillong Lok Sabha Member of Parliament Dr. Ricky Andrew Jones Syngkon, who died on Thursday evening following a cardiac arrest.
Syngkon collapsed while playing futsal in the suburbs of the Shillong city. Doctors at the Hughes Gordon Roberts made extensive efforts to resuscitate Syngkon but despite their best efforts, he could not be revived and was confirmed dead at around 8:42 pm.
Speaker Thomas Sangma adjourned the House for the day after members of the House made an obituary reference over the demise of the Syngkon.
The presentation of Meghalaya budget 2026-27, which was supposed to be presented by Chief Minister Conrad Sangma on Friday has been deferred to February 23.
The Chief Minister announced a holiday on Saturday across seven districts in Khasi-Jaintia hills, which falls under Shillong parliamentary seat, to facilitate the participation of people in the funeral rites of Syngkon.
Describing the sudden demise of Syngkon as a “profound loss for Meghalaya”, Conrad said that the Shillong Lok Sabha member had met him in Delhi just 15 days earlier, and proposed to establish a National Institute of Social Defence in Meghalaya.
“He was very keen, so I requested him to send me a note, which he did. The last message was, ‘Good evening, Sir, please see the note for the institute for your kind perusal’. I remember that moment… he had this charm, charisma, and simplicity… and you felt that he was like an old friend,” Conrad informed the assembly.
The Chief Minister narrated an occasion where the sitting Lok Sabha member attended a function when Syngkon rode on his two-wheeler to attend a programme at a St Mary’s School function. “That is Dr Syngkon — simple, humble, a man of faith and truly committed to doing good for the people,” Conrad said.
Leader of Opposition Dr. Mukul Manda Sangma described Syngkon’s demise as an “irreparable loss” and a “big shock” to the people of the State.
“He was a passionate public figure who decided to enter public life, and we could see the patience and resolve he had to truly represent the people,” Mukul said.
“We have lost a very promising young man who was just in the initial innings of public life and was making a mark not only at the state and regional level but also at the national level,” the Leader of Opposition said.
Meanwhile, the Chief Minister Sangma, the Assembly Speaker, the Leader of Opposition, legislators and several political leaders and government officials visited Syngkon’s residence and paid their last respects.
Rahul condoles
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Friday condoled the demise of Shillong MP Ricky A J Syngkon, and said his commitment to public service and the people of Meghalaya would be remembered with respect.
“Saddened by the passing of Dr Ricky A J Syngkon, Lok Sabha MP from Shillong, Meghalaya. His commitment to public service and the people of Meghalaya will be remembered with respect. My condolences to his family, friends, and supporters,” Gandhi said in a post on X.
Abhishek condoles
TMC general secretary Abhishek Banerjee on Friday expressed grief over the demise of Shillong MP Ricky A J Syngkon, describing him as a committed public representative devoted to the welfare of people. “I am deeply saddened by the passing of Ricky A J Syngkon, the MP from Shillong and a committed public representative whose life was dedicated to the welfare and aspirations of his people.