Shillong, Feb 20: The Meghalaya Legislative Assembly on Friday suspended all scheduled business to pay tributes to Shillong Member of Parliament Ricky A. J. Syngkon, who passed away a day earlier. Legislators across party lines observed obituary references as a mark of respect to the late leader.
Speaker Thomas A. Sangma announced that the House would restrict proceedings to condolence messages, adding that a revised sitting calendar would be circulated later. The presentation of the 2026–27 state budget, originally scheduled for Friday, has been deferred.
Syngkon, 54, reportedly collapsed while playing futsal on the outskirts of Shillong on Thursday evening. He was taken to a private hospital, where doctors declared him dead at around 8:45 pm.
Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma described the MP’s demise as a profound loss for the state. Paying tribute in the House, he said Syngkon’s simplicity and personal connect with people had earned him wide respect across communities.
Leader of the Opposition Mukul Sangma said the state had lost a promising public representative who had begun to make an impact at the state, regional and national levels. He noted that Syngkon had entered public life with a strong commitment to represent people’s concerns.
Syngkon represented Shillong in Parliament and was a senior leader of the Voice of the People Party. His sudden death has prompted tributes from political leaders and organisations across Meghalaya.
