Tura, Oct. 25: Meghalaya today paid tribute to its first chief minister Williamson A. Sangma (fondly called Captain Sangma).

To mark his 26th death anniversary, a "Rashtriya Salute" was accorded to him by the personnel of 2nd Meghalaya police battalion at William point in Hawakhana here.

The chief executive member of Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC), Denang T. Sangma, led the dignitaries and family members of Captain Sangma in paying rich floral tribute.

In remembrance of the leader, the people gathered at Williampoint observed a minute of silence.

Similarly, programmes to honour Captain Sangma were held across Garo hills. Since last year, his death anniversary has been declared a holiday in Garo hills.

Speaking on the occasion, Denang Sangma said, "It is important for the people of Meghalaya and Garo hills in particular to remember the great contributions of Captain Sangma in securing the future of the Garos and the tribals of the Northeast."

West Garo Hills deputy commissioner Pravin Bakshi said Captain Sangma's life should be an example for the people of Garo hills to live peacefully and demonstrate unity in diversity.

A close aide of Captain Sangma and a former GHADC executive member, Arbinstone M. Sangma, who was associated with the Captain during the statehood movement, said, "He was a leader par excellence. He was committed to the welfare of the tribals and took up the challenge to unite all the indigenous people of the Northeast to urge the central leadership to create separate states."

He reminded the gathering how tribals of the Northeast had great love and respect for Captain Sangma: "He always wanted us to focus on our vision and with sheer dedication make an effort to achieve it."

A prayer ceremony was also held at Captain Sangma's residence.