Shillong: Former Meghalaya Deputy Chief Minister and veteran regional leader, Standlington David Khongwir died on Tuesday. He was 90.
Khongwir was elected to the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly after its inception in 1972, for five long consecutive terms.
He served as the first Deputy Chief Minister of Meghalaya. He was also the longest-serving headman of Mawlai
Chief Minister Conrad Sangma expressed his condolences, acknowledging Khongwir as a “seasoned politician” who dedicated himself to public service until his final days.
“Pained to learn about the demise of Former Deputy Chief Minister, Shri Standlington D Khongwir. Apart from being a seasoned politician, Bah Khongwir was a hands-on leader and was the longest-serving Rangbah Shnong of Mawlai Nonglum who showed his dedication to the community till his final days. I extend my deepest condolences to his family and loved ones. May he rest in peace,” the Chief Minister wrote on his micro-blogging site.
Sangma and leaders cutting across party lines visited Khongwir’s residence and paid their last respects.
Khongwir won the Assembly elections continuously from 1972 to 1998 under different symbols as an Independent and candidate of political parties that he had associated with.
He was one of the popular leaders of the All Party Hill Leaders Conference (APHLC) and he had been working together with the first Chief Minister of Meghalaya, the late Captain Williamson Ampang Sangma.
He was associated with various regional political parties – – the All Party Hill Leaders Conference (APHLC), the Hill State People’s Democratic Party, and the Hills People’s Union.
He also played a vital role in bringing all regional political parties under one political platform to form the United Democratic Party
A few years ago, Khongwir was not active in politics, and he had distanced himself from all political parties.
As the public representative, Khongwir held the post of minister as well as Deputy Chief Minister of the state and was part of various coalition governments in his long career in politics.
