Tura, Aug 16: Former Meghalaya Chief Minister Salseng Ch Marak passes away on Friday at Tura Civil Hospital after battling age-related illness.
He was 83 years old.
Marak had been admitted to the Holy Cross Hospital on August 8, 2024 and was shifted to the Tura Civil Hospital on August 12, where he breathed his last.
According to family members, the veteran politician from Garo Hills had been facing poor health for the last few weeks and became weak leading to his hospitalization.
His mortal remains are being taken to his home constituency of Resubelpara in North Garo Hills where he will be laid to rest on Saturday.
Marak was also known as ‘Mr. Clean’ for his relentless pursuit for a corruption-free and progressive Meghalaya.
He was the chief minister of the State from 1993 to 1998, becoming the first leader to serve full 5 – year term without changing party. He became the Chief Minister when the state was going through political instability during early 1990s, when regional forces were at the forefront of government formations and takedowns. Despite multiple attempts to bring down his government by regional forces, he remained the CM for the full term.
He had studied at the Kolkata’s Scottish Church College.
He was a loyal Congress leader and remained so till the end. He was also the president of Meghalaya Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) in 2003.
He had represented the Resubelpara constituency in the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly consecutively from 1970s till 2008, when he faced defeat against NCP’s Timothy D Shira. He, however, won back the constituency in 2013 assembly polls. But Timothy won the seat again in 2018 election representing the NPP. In 2023, Marak did not contest due to his age and health issues.
Chief Minister, Conrad K Sangma, took to X (formerly Twitter) to condole the demise of Marak. He wrote: “Deeply saddened to learn of the demise of former CM Salseng C Marak. His contributions to Meghalaya’s development will always be remembered. My condolences to his family and loved ones. May he rest in peace.”
Deeply saddened to learn of the demise of former CM Salseng C Marak. His contributions to Meghalaya’s development will always be remembered. My condolences to his family and loved ones. May he rest in peace. pic.twitter.com/mj8sHGoMP9
— Conrad K Sangma (@SangmaConrad) August 16, 2024
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