Shillong (Meghalaya), Nov 21: Former Deputy Chief Minister and a veteran politician S D Khongwir passed away this morning at NEIGRIHMS Hospital here.
The mortal remains have been brought to his residence at Mawlai Nonglum locality.
Late Standling David Khongwir was the first Deputy Chief Minister of Meghalaya and was also the longest serving headman.
He breathed his last this morning at the age of 90 after a prolonged illness.
Late SD Khongwir was a highly respected personality. He was the MLA of Mawlai for 25 years and retired in 1998 from active politics.
Late Khongwir was a prominent political figure during the Meghalaya’s Statehood movement. His first electoral victory was in 1972 until 1993.
Late Khongwir held key positions including Deputy CM in governments led by Late D D Pugh and Late B B Lyngdoh.
He was also the Minister of several departments and was also the Chairman of the State Planning Board.
He was attached with parties like the Hills State People Democratic Party (HSPDP) and was instrumental in the formation of the United Democratic Party (UDP), which is now part of the ruling government.
Late Khongwir was also the Rangbah Shnong (headman) of Mawlai Nonglum for a period of 55 years. He also served as the President of Mawlai Town Dorbar (MTD) since 1988.
Chief Minister Conrad Sangma paid his respects to Former Deputy Chief Minister, Standlington D Khongwir at his residence.
In his condolence message Sangma said, ” For the people of the state and especially the constituents of Mawlai, the demise of S D Khogwir is a personal loss to the community.” He added, ” Late S D Khongwir served wholeheartedly as the Rangbah Shnong for 55 long years, worked for the development of Mawlai as the President of the Mawlai Town Dorbar and was a leader most looked up to”.
