Ampati, June 15: Veteran political leader and former MLA of Salmanpara constituency, Samarendro S Sangma, passed away at the age of 97 on Sunday at his residence in Nogorpara village, South West Garo Hills. Sangma was one of the earliest legislators from the region and played a significant role in Meghalaya’s political history, both before and after the state attained statehood.
Born on December 28, 1928, in Cooch Behar, West Bengal, Samarendro S Sangma was a prominent figure of the All Party Hill Leaders Conference (APHLC), a political movement founded by Captain Williamson A Sangma in 1960, which was instrumental in the creation of Meghalaya as a separate state.
Sangma served as an MLA from 1970 to 1972 during the time Meghalaya was still an autonomous state under Assam. Following statehood in 1972, he became one of the first MLAs of the newly formed state and was elected uncontested for the Salmanpara constituency, serving till 1978.
His demise comes just two weeks after the passing of his wife, also in Nogorpara village. He was also the uncle of the present Chief Minister of Meghalaya, Conrad K Sangma.
The people of South West Garo Hills and Meghalaya at large remember Samarendro S Sangma as a committed leader who contributed to the early political landscape of the state and stood firm in the cause of the hill people.
Funeral arrangements are being held in Nogorpara village, and a wave of condolences continues to pour in from political leaders, family members, and the public.
