Rangad. Picture by Eastern Projection

Shillong, July 4: Meghalaya today mourned the death of a promising politician of the state, Thrang Hok Rangad, who breathed his last at the Nazareth Hospital here at 2.30 am.

The BJP legislator from Laban constituency was suffering from lung cancer since early this year.

As news of Rangad’s death spread, the city went into mourning for a man who will be remembered as an upright and bold leader of the people. In his condolence message, Meghalaya governor M.M. Jacob described Rangad as “one of the most dynamic legislators of our state who stood up for his values”.

Chief minister D.D. Lapang said the void created by Rangad’s untimely death would remain unfulfilled for years to come. The state government declared a half-holiday today as a mark of respect for the departed leader.

The ministers of the Meghalaya Democratic Alliance (MDA) government, who convened a meeting immediately after receiving the news, said in a statement that Rangad’s death was “a grievous loss to the growth and development of Meghalaya”. The death of the leader who was also the Rangbah Shnong (headman) of the Umsohsun Dorbar came as a shock to the youths of the city who were closely associated with him.

“Our association with him began a long time back when Rangad was a member of a college basketball and boxing teams,” said his friend Aibor Lyngdoh.

A resident said Rangad would be remembered for his firm stand against militancy.

Rangad, who was at the centre of the Calcutta Meghalaya house debate that ultimately led to the fall of the Mawlong government, was forced to step down from the post of home minister over the controversy. He remained in the Opposition as its leader until he was diagnosed with cancer early this year.

Rangad was actively involved in social and voluntary services. He was a member of the Rotary Club of Shillong.

He was also one of the founder-members of the Save-a-Life, a voluntary organisation for children and families in need of treatment for life-threatening diseases.

Born to Dr M.R. Deingdoh and Dr M.S.D Rangad on February 23, 1954, Rangad did his schooling from Shillong and secured a first division in B.Sc agriculture with honours in horticulture from the Himachal Pradesh University College of Agriculture.

Rangad is survived by his wife Jopsimon Phanbuh and three daughters. His funeral will be held on Sunday. Senior leaders of the Union government are expected to attend the funeral.