The last rites of Shillong Lok Sabha MP Dr. Ricky Andrew J. Syngkon, who passed away on the evening of February 19, will be held on Saturday, February 21, with family members, friends, well-wishers and leaders from various political parties expected to attend.
The Government of Meghalaya has declared a holiday in the Khasi-Jaintia Hills region as a mark of respect for the departed leader. The 54-year-old MP reportedly suffered a sudden cardiac arrest while playing football.
He was first taken to Mawiong Community Health Centre (CHC) and later referred to Dr. H. Gordon Roberts Hospital for advanced treatment. Hospital officials said he was brought in at around 7:40 pm and was declared dead at 8:42 pm. Doctors noted that he had no pulse on arrival and described the incident as a massive heart attack.
Throughout the day, people gathered at his mother’s residence in Pohkseh to pay their last respects. Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma, members of the Cabinet and several political leaders paid tribute, remembering him as a humble and dedicated public representative.
Later, his mortal remains were taken to his residence at Nongsder in Ri Bhoi district, from where he will be laid to rest at Sumer. His sudden demise has left a deep void across the Khasi-Jaintia region, where he was widely regarded as a simple, grounded and God-fearing leader.
Before entering politics, Dr. Syngkon served as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Economics at North-Eastern Hill University (NEHU). He rose to prominence after winning the 2024 Lok Sabha election as a candidate of the Voice of the People Party (VPP), defeating three-time Congress MP Vincent H. Pala by a margin of 3,71,910 votes.
As a parliamentarian, he was known for advocating regional development, improved infrastructure, youth empowerment and the protection of indigenous tribal rights. Supporters and colleagues often described him as an accessible leader committed to grassroots issues and public service.
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