Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma on Sunday unveiled the new bust of Captain Williamson A Sangma erected at the Captain Williamson Memorial park in Baghmara, South Garo Hills.

Meghalaya Education and Home Minister Lahkmen Rymbui, MLA of Baghmara Samuel Sangma and MLA of Siju Rongara Rakkam A Sangma were also present at the inauguration ceremony.

A memorial prayer service, laying of floral wreaths by dignitaries and maharis, guard of honour by the Meghalaya Police was accorded to remember and honour the founding Chief Minister of Meghalaya late Captain Sangma on his 30th Death Anniversary.

“As a child, whenever Captain Sangma use to visit us, I use to always salute him. Therefore, it gives me immense pleasure and a sense of honour to be here today to once again salute Capt WA Sangma," said CM Conrad in his address.

"Even though he may not be with us, I think his memory, his work and his love for our people and the State, will always remind us of him and his memory will live on," the Chief Minister added.

Terming Capt Sangma as the “father of the A’chik”, “father of the State” and “father of the council”, CM Conrad Sangma thanked all the members of the organising committee for making their continuous effort to ensure that "Capt Sangma lives amidst us forever".

Guard of honour by the Meghalaya Police

He said that the youth of Meghalaya should be reminded of the qualities and the great contribution and sacrifice made by Capt Sangma for the creation of Meghalaya as a state.

“If we truly want to respect and honour Capt Sangma, we have to imbibe his ideals and dedicate and work for our State and our people,” he said.

On the occasion, he also informed that South Garo Hills has remained neglected for years, and hence the MDA government has been trying its best to create developmental infrastructure in the district.

He said that South Garo Hills generates the highest revenue for the government as far as coal royalty from Garo Hills is concerned and stated that because of dense forest cover of South, East Garo and East Khasi Hills, the 15th Finance Commission has accorded increase in allocation of budget for the State in its tax devolution for the Sate.

“South Garo Hills is very important for the MDA government and we will ensure that concerted effort continues to enhance development in the district,” he exhorted.

In the past two years, the Meghalaya government has taken up ambitious projects for the district including the Baghmara Water Supply Scheme, an extension of Baghmara Civil Hospital, New Circuit House in Baghmara, construction of National Highways in the district, development of tourism infrastructure, amongst others.