Former Meghalaya chief minister D.D. Lapang passes away at 91
Donwa Dethwelson Lapang, who was born on April 10, 1934, passed away at Bethany Hospital in Shillong on Friday night
Shillong: Former Meghalaya chief minister Donwa Dethwelson Lapang passed away at Bethany Hospital in Shillong on Friday night. He was 91.
Lapang, who was born on April 10, 1934, rose from humble beginnings as a road labourer and school sub-inspector to serve as chief minister of Meghalaya four times between 1992 and 2008.
He was first elected to the state assembly in 1972 from the Nongpoh constituency as an independent candidate. Over the decades, he emerged as one of Meghalaya’s most enduring political figures, holding several ministerial portfolios before assuming the top post.
Even after stepping away from active politics, he remained a respected statesman. In 2024, a life-size statue was unveiled in the Ri-Bhoi district to honour his contributions to the state.
Condolences have poured in from across party lines, with leaders describing him as “a leader who never forgot his roots” and “whose journey embodied perseverance, humility, and service.”
Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced by the family shortly.
