Former Meghalaya chief minister Salseng Marak no more

Shillong, August 16

Former Meghalaya chief minister Salseng C Marak died due to old age-related ailments on Friday, family members said.

The veteran Congress leader, 82, breathed his last at Tura Civil Hospital where he was undergoing treatment.

Marak became the first chief minister of the state to complete a five-year term in 1993. He also held the office of the CM for the shortest time — 12 days — in 1998 when the Congress-led coalition collapsed.

He also served as the state Congress chief in 2003.

Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma condoled Marak’s death. “Deeply saddened to learn of the demise of former CM Salseng C Marak. His contributions to Meghalaya’s development will always be remembered. My condolences to his family and loved ones. May he rest in peace,” he posted on X.

AICC chief Mallikarjun Kharge also condoled Marak’s death. “We are profoundly saddened by the demise of former Chief Minister of Meghalaya and PCC President, Shri Salseng C Marak. His tireless commitment to Meghalaya’s growth and development leaves a lasting legacy, earning our deepest respect and admiration,” he said on X.

The state government has announced a three-day mourning to pay respects to the former chief minister.

Family sources said the veteran Congress leader was undergoing treatment at the Tura Civil Hospital since August 12. He was first admitted to Holy Cross Hospital on August 8, they said.

Born in 1941, Marak attended Kolkata’s Scottish Church College and represented the Resubelpara constituency in North Garo Hills in Meghalaya.