SHILLONG, Sept 26 - Meghalaya�s longest serving legislator, veteran politician and Hill State Movement leader, Hoping Stone Lyngdoh, passed away at North East Indira Gandhi Regional Institute of Health and Medical Sciences here this morning.
The State Government has declared three days of State mourning from September 27 while a State funeral would be accorded to the senior politician on September 29.
During this period of State mourning, there will be no official entertainment and the national flag will be flown at half mast at all Government establishments throughout the State.
The 86-year-old politician represented Nongstoin constituency of West Khasi Hills district for eleven terms. He passed away at around 1 am due to pneumonia, septicemia and multi-organ failure, NEIGRIHMS Medical Superintendent Dr A Phukan said.
Lyngdoh was admitted at the super-specialty hospital on Sunday after complaining of chest congestion, but subsequently developed other complications.
During his political career, Lyngdoh held several posts including that of a Lok Sabha member, Deputy Chief Minister, as well as Member of the Autonomous District Council. He was a prominent leader in the Hill State Movement to attain Meghalaya�s Statehood.
The body of Lyngdoh has been taken to the residence of his youngest sister at Oxford Hill at Kench�s Trace here where the public would be able to pay their last respects.
His body would be taken to Nongstoin on Monday at 9 am for benevolence. Thereafter, his body would be taken to his home village Mawkyllei where his last rites would be performed on Tuesday.
