Former Meghalaya minister Robert Garnett Lyngdoh passes away at 62

SHILLONG: Popular public leader, educationist and former Meghalaya minister, Robert Garnett Lyngdoh, passed away at his residence in Nongrim Hills here on Friday.Bah Bob, as he was fondly called, was 62, and battling a fatal illness for years now.Son of veteran politician late Peter G Marbaniang and brother of sitting MLA Ampareen Lyngdoh, he had represented the Laitumkhrah Legislative Assembly Constituency in the city for two terms between 1998 to 2008 and had held several portfolios as a cabinet minister, including, home and education.As home minister, RG Lyngdoh had taken firm and innovative steps to tackle militancy in the state.Governor Satya Pal Malik, chief minister Conrad K Sangma, leader of opposition, Mukul Sangma, and a host of other public leaders expressed grief over the passing of Lyngdoh.“The fearless Shri R. G. Lyngdoh, former Home Minister of Meghalaya was a personality we all looked up to. Cheerful and witty, Bah Robert was a friend to everyone he encountered. Deeply saddened by the news of his passing. My deepest condolences to @ampareenlyngdoh& his family,” chief minister Conrad K Sangma tweeted.Former CM and current leader of opposition, Mukul Sangma of the Trinamool Congress, expressed grief over the passing of Lyngdoh, who was held in high esteem across the political spectrum.Meanwhile, the Meghalaya Pradesh Congress Committee in a condolence message said, “(Late) Robert Garnett Lyngdoh was an eminent leader and a political stalwart… His dedication to his people and the state was unparalleled and he had contributed immensely to the overall development of our beloved state. He was also a steadfast Congressman”.