Tura, March 3: Miriam D. Shira, one of the most respected women politicians in Meghalaya, was laid to rest today.

She was 82 and died of prolonged illness yesterday at her residence at Bonepa Atilla here. Her funeral service was held today at her residence in the presence of her loved ones, relatives, friends and neighbours.

Shira led by example in Garo society by plunging into politics when Meghalaya was carved out of Assam in 1972. There were very few women in active politics then.

Though she did not win the election it helped other women follow suit. Her indomitable spirit endured and she successfully contested the byelection to Songsak constituency in 1975 and became the first Garo woman to be elected legislator.

In 1978, Shira won for her second term from Songsak and served as minister of state under chief minister Darwin D. Pugh. When Pugh's government was toppled in 1980, Shira was elected Deputy Speaker.

She served in that post till 1983, being the first among women politicians to hold the post. In 1988, Shira decided to contest from Rajabala and won the election by a huge margin. She served as cabinet minister under B.B. Lyngdoh till the expiry of her term.

In 1993, Shira decided to quit active politics and dedicated herself to the cause of humanity and service of God.

Married at 20, Shira completed her studies while raising her six children. In 1965, she completed her graduation while working in Shillong. In 1966, Shira joined the Assam family and health department as extension education officer and was posted here.

After retiring from politics, she became an activist and worked in different social organisations for the wellbeing of Garo society.

At her funeral, condolence messages were read out. Former chief minister D.D. Lapang described her as an able legislator and administrator.

The All Dalbot Mahari Association said her demise "is a great loss to the society. She will always be remembered as a great visionary, who was always available for the welfare of the people."