Former Meghalaya CM Salseng C Marak passes away at 82

Shillong: Salseng C Marak, a former Chief Minister of Meghalaya and a prominent leader of the Congress party, passed away on Friday at the age of 82.

He died while receiving treatment at Tura Civil Hospital, where he was admitted on August 12 after initially being treated at Holy Cross Hospital since August 8.

Marak, who served as Meghalaya’s Chief Minister from 1993 to 1998, was the 6th person to hold the position.

A veteran politician, he represented the Resubelpara constituency in North Garo Hills in the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly.

Known as the 'Mr. Clean' of Meghalaya politics, Marak earned widespread respect for his integrity and leadership.

He was particularly noted for his strong stance against the nexus between militants and politicians, warning that such alliances could undermine Congress policies and principles.

In 2003, Marak also served as the president of the Meghalaya Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC).

He briefly assumed office as Chief Minister again on March 10, 1998, but his term lasted only 12 days, as his Congress-led coalition stepped down, allowing BB Lyngdoh of the United Parliamentary Forum to become the next Chief Minister.

Born in 1941, Marak was an alumnus of Kolkata’s Scottish Church College. His passing marks the end of an era in Meghalaya's political landscape.