Ricky AJ Syngkon, Member of Parliament from Shillong representing the Voice of the People Party (VPP), passed away on Thursday evening after suddenly collapsing while playing football. He was 54.
According to family members, Syngkon had gone to play football with friends at a playground in Mawlai Mawiong in Shillong when he suddenly fell ill and collapsed on the field. He was immediately rushed to Mawiong Community Health Centre for treatment. However, due to the reported absence of a doctor at the facility at the time, he was referred to a higher medical centre.
He was subsequently shifted to Dr H Gordon Roberts Hospital in Jaiaw for advanced treatment. Despite efforts by the medical team, Syngkon succumbed shortly after being admitted. Hospital sources confirmed that he was declared dead at around 8:42 PM.
The sudden demise of the parliamentarian sent shockwaves across Meghalaya, with Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong, VPP president Ardent Miller Basaiawmoit, legislators, senior political leaders, and party workers rushing to the hospital to pay their respects and offer condolences to the bereaved family.
Expressing grief, President Droupadi Murmu said she was saddened by Syngkon’s passing and acknowledged his contributions to the development and welfare of Meghalaya. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also paid tribute, stating that Syngkon would be remembered for his dedicated service to the people of the state.
Syngkon, a first-time MP, had emerged as a prominent political figure after securing a landslide victory in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections from Shillong. Contesting on a VPP ticket, he defeated three-time Congress MP Vincent H Pala by a margin of over 3.7 lakh votes, marking a significant political shift in Meghalaya.
Known for his strong grassroots connections and advocacy on indigenous rights, governance, and transparency, Syngkon was regarded as a rising leader in state politics. His untimely demise has left a void in both Meghalaya’s political landscape and the Voice of the People Party.
Leaders across party lines expressed shock and paid tribute to Syngkon, remembering him as a committed public representative whose political career held great promise.
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