Tura, Oct 25: Rich floral tributes were paid to Meghalaya’s first Chief Minister, Late Captain Williamson A Sangma, on his 35th death anniversary with special commemorative programmes held at his birth place in South Garo Hills and in Tura where his mortal remains are laid.
Meghalaya Minister for PHE, Soil and Housing Departments, Marcuise N Marak, led the people of South Garo Hills in observing the solemn event at Captain Williamson Memorial Park in Baghmara town of South Garo Hills. He placed a special wreath at the bust of Late Captain Sangma in Baghmara.
Recalling the dedication and work of Late Captain Sangma, Marcuise Marak laid emphasis on the role of citizens in preserving the state’s tribal identity and encouraged the younger generation to follow in the footsteps of Meghalaya’s first chief minister. He also spoke at length about the state government’s various programmes that are aimed at elevating the state and its people towards progress.
Lok Sabha MP of Tura, Saleng A Sangma, also attended the programme as guest of honour and placed a floral wreath before his bust.
Saleng Sangma hailed the leadership of Late Captain Sangma who led the Hill State movement in the struggle for a tribal state through a non-violence movement. He said that a true leader is one who can unite his people for a cause and achieve it without taking up arms or bloodshed.
A gun salute and two minutes of silence were also observed during the observance.
Former minister Rakkam A Sangma, MLA of Rongara-Siju, also paid tributes and placed a wreath at the bust of the first chief minister.
Tura observance
In Tura Meghalaya Tourism Minister Timothy D Shira led the citizens in paying their respects to Late Captain Sangma with a special observance at Captain William Park in Hawakhana.
Together with the CEM of GHADC Albinush Marak and other council dignitaries and district officials, floral wreaths were laid at the statue of Captain Sangma who was also the first Chief Executive Member of the GHADC.
Later, they paid a visit to the final resting place of Late Captain Sangma, close to the venue, placed flowers and lit candles.
Book on Captain Sangma
The same evening a book on Late Captain Williamson A Sangma, authored by Andrew Simmons, Secretary of Meghalaya Assembly, was released by Meghalaya Assembly Speaker Thomas A Sangma at Moksh Villa resort in Tura.
