Meghalaya Assembly Speaker Donkupar Roy No More

A CORRESPONDENT

SHILLONG: Meghalaya Assembly Speaker, Dr Donkupar Roy passed away in a Gurugram hospital in Haryana on Sunday afternoon. His mortal remains will be brought to Shillong on Monday morning by Indigo Flight. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Assam Governor Prof Jagdish Mukhi, and Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal have condoled the demise of Dr Roy. The government has announced three days State mourning. His last rites will be held on July 31 which has been declared a State holiday.

Dr Donkupar Roy breathed his last at the Medanta Hospital in Gurugram where he was admitted on July 18 for undergoing treatment.

He was an acute diabetic which was the root cause for multiple organ failure, informed sources.

His mortal remains will be brought to Shillong on Monday morning by Indigo Flight.

He was elected as the Speaker of the Meghalaya Assembly on March 12, 2018.

Dr Roy had also held the post of Chief Minister of the state for a brief period from 2008 to 2009.

He was the president of the United Democratic Party (UDP) and had represented Shella constituency in East Khasi Hills district for seven consecutive terms.

Dr Donkupar Roy was first elected in 1988 as an independent MLA from Shella assembly constituency.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has condoled the Meghalaya Assembly Speaker’s death.

“Anguished by the demise of Dr. Donkupar Roy, Speaker of the Meghalaya Assembly and former CM of the State. Passionate about Meghalaya’s progress, he served the state with great diligence and helped transform many lives. Condolences to his family and supporters,” the PM’s office tweeted.

Meanwhile, State Chief Minister, Conrad K Sangma who is in Mussoorie to attend the conclave of the Himalayan States took to twitter to mourn Dr Roy’s demise.

“Deeply saddened by the untimely demise of Speaker of Meghalaya Assembly Dr Donkupar Roy. We have lost a leader, a mentor, who had dedicated his life for the service of the people. May Almighty provide strength to his family in this hour of grief. May his soul rest in peace,” Conrad tweeted.

Meghalaya Governor, Tathagata Roy also tweeted to mourn the Meghalaya Assembly Speaker’s death.

“Deeply saddened to know of the unfortunate and untimely death of Donkupar Roy (64). He was the Speaker of Meghalaya legislative assembly, a former Chief Minister of Meghalaya and the President of the United Democratic Party. RIP, Om Shanti,” Roy tweeted.

Leader of Opposition, Dr Mukul Sangma while condoling Dr Roy’s demise said that he was deeply shocked by the unexpected news.

“In his sudden demise, we have lost a leader- rare and simple, down to earth and steadfast in his commitment and dedication to serve the State and the people as a whole and left a great vacuum in the state’s and region’s socio-political spectrum,” the Leader of Opposition said.

According to Dr Sangma, with his passing away, he personally has lost a friend and a leader who was always available as a guide and a counsellor whenever needed in addressing the challenges of diverse issues confronting the state.

“I, along with members of my family and friends, convey our deepest condolences and sincerely pray for the members of the bereaved family that they receive the much needed solace and strength from the gracious God to overcome this irreparable loss,” Dr Sangma said.

Assam Governor Prof Jagdish Mukhi, Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal have also condoled the demise of Dr Roy.

Also Read: New Meghalaya Assembly Complex By 2022: Speaker Donkupar Roy