Resubelpara, Aug 17: Braving the peak summer heat, thousands of mourners came together on Saturday to bid a final goodbye to the “People’s leader”- Late Salseng Marak, as the government accorded a gun salute to the former chief minister during the state funeral service that witnessed leaders from across the political spectrum descending on Resubelpara town of North Garo Hills to pay their last respects.
There has been an outpouring of grief from the national and state leaders, and a flood of tributes, following the demise of the former Congress leader and state chief minister.
Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi and Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge led the Congress party in offering heartfelt condolences with their messages read out by state party chief Vincent Pala at the state funeral. “Deeply saddened by the passing away of S C Marak,” wrote Rahul Gandhi.
A floral wreath on behalf of the Meghalaya Governor C H Vijayashankar was also placed on the casket by the ADC to the Governor.
Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma led the state in mourning the demise of Late Salseng Marak, hailing him as a distinguished leader whose departure had left a deep void in the state.
“Our state is poorer by the loss of a veteran politician renowned for his closeness to people, his leadership, wisdom and compassion. From his beginnings as a teacher and headmaster to his role as the head of the government in our state, his journey has been truly inspirational,” said Conrad Sangma during the funeral service.
Reflecting on his past interactions with the former chief minister, Conrad Sangma said that the soft-spoken, gentle, humble and wise leader imparted many valuable lessons that significantly contributed to his personal development.
He added that, “Although we mourn the loss of such an influential leader, we also celebrate his extraordinary contributions and the lasting impact he made.”
The chief minister urged upon the people to honor Late Salseng Marak’s memory by carrying forward his vision and principles, and working together to build upon the foundation he laid.
Former chief minister and Trinamool leader Mukul Sangma, who worked under Late Salseng Marak during his tenure as CM in 1993, said his contributions to the state were historical, particularly in restoring peace when the first militant outfit emerged in the form of A’chik Liberation Matgrik Army (ALMA) during the early 1990s.
“He demonstrated the ability to overcome inherent challenges in politics with ease,” remembered Mukul Sangma.
Honoring the legacy of Salseng Marak, Tura Lok Sabha MP Saleng A Sangma said that Meghalaya lost a gentleman, leader and a father figure to its people. “We lost a gentleman who never compromised on his ideals. He was always forward in his thoughts and actions, and history has proven it,” said Saleng Sangma at the funeral service.
Several other leaders, including arch political foe and current legislator of Resubelpara, Timothy D Shira, Meghalaya Speaker Thomas A Sangma, and a host of ministers and senior political leaders, including Education Minister Rakkam A Sangma and PHE Minister Marcuise Marak, Power Minister A T Mondol, among others, attended the state funeral.
Former deputy chief minister Deborah C Marak, who is the niece of Late Salseng C Marak gave a moving tribute to her uncle with the words, “Mama (Uncle) I will never forget you”. Deborah spent many years in Shillong under the guidance of her late uncle, attending college and afterwards getting a job, even before she entered politics. “He was always calm, never having a confrontation with anyone. Instead, he would always impart knowledge and speak of his experiences to the people. He has left an indelible mark in all our lives,” she said.
A large number of people from the far flung corners of Garo Hills came down to Resubelpara to show their appreciation for Late Salseng Marak with long queues of mourners waiting to pass by his casket, offering floral tributes and prayers. He was laid to rest at the Gajingpara cemetery in Resubelpara.
