Shillong, Aug 17: Tributes are flowing in for Meghalaya’s former chief minister Salseng C Marak who passed away on Friday morning at the age of 83, with Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma leading the state in mourning the death of one of the last political stalwarts of yesteryears.
“The news of his death came as a shock to all of us. We are deeply saddened by this tragic news. It is a great loss to the family, his people and the state” said Conrad Sangma.
Recalling the long political career of Late Salseng Marak, the chief minister hailed his leadership values and political acumen in navigating the turbulent politics of his time in the state.
“He successfully served for a full five year term, and beyond that also he held many positions in different capacities serving his constituents and the people of the state. My deepest condolences to the bereaved family members,” offered the chief minister.
Remembering Marak as a “household name in the field of politics in Garo Hills” and a “much respected leader”, Sangma said politicians cutting across political lines respected the late leader.
Marak became the CM when the state was going through political instability during the 1990s when regional forces were the kingmakers in government formation or breakdowns.
Despite the difficult times, Sangma said, the late political leader held the CM’s post from 1993 to 1998 and became the first leader to serve a full five year term without changing party – the Congress.
“In a system where politics has become synonymous with corruption and inefficiency, Late SC Marak was a political figure who maintained his integrity fighting all odds thus earning the name of Mr. Clean pursuing relentlessly for a corruption free and progressive Meghalaya,” Sangma said in a statement.
Marak as the Chief Minister led the government and the state with “strong leadership” qualities and “political acumen” and even after retirement from politics he remained active and shared his knowledge and wisdom for the community and the society at large, Sangma added.
Marak represented Resubelpara constituency in North Garo Hills from 1970s till 2008 and then again in 2013. During his long tenure as the MLA of Resubelpara, Marak worked for the upliftment and amelioration of his constituency with dedication and commitment, Sangma said.
Marak was also the President of Meghalaya Pradesh Congress Committee in 2003 and remained loyal to the party till the end.
“The people of Resubelpara and the state as a whole have lost a wise and erudite leader whose honesty, uprightness and integrity have made him a much loved leader. His life teaches us the core values of statesmanship, loyalty and humility and is an inspiration to the current breed of politicians,” Sangma said.
Speaker condoles death
Meghalaya Assembly Speaker Thomas A Sangma has offered his condolences following the demise of former chief minister Salseng C Marak.
Describing Marak as a remarkable leader, the Speaker said, “His unwavering dedication to the people of our state and his significant contributions to the community will always be remembered.”
“When he was the chief minister of the state from 1993 to 1998, I had the privilege of associating with him as a young party worker of the Congress party. During his tenure, Marak exemplified remarkable leadership, integrity, vision and service. He played a vital role in the advancement of Meghalaya, and his legacy will continue to inspire future generations,” Marak stated in his condolence message to the bereaved family.
3 days state mourning
Paying respects to the former chief minister who died on Friday, the state government has announced that all State Government offices will observe state mourning for three days from 16-08-2024. During the state mourning the National Flag will be flown at half mast where it is flown regularly and there will be no official entertainment.
