Shillong: The Meghalaya government has declared a holiday in the Shillong Parliamentary Constituency on February 21, 2026, as a mark of respect for the late MP Ricky AJ Syngkon and to facilitate the participation of people in the funeral.
Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma announced that holiday will be applicable across all districts under the constituency to allow the public, supporters, and well-wishers to attend the funeral services and pay their final respects to the departed leader.
The day had earlier been designated a working day as part of compensatory holidays, but will now be observed as a holiday in honour of the departed MP.
Ricky Andrew J. Syngkon, the 54-year-old parliamentarian, who represented the Voice of the People Party (VPP), passed away on Thursday after collapsing while playing football in Shillong.
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Syngkon was initially treated at the Community Health Centre in Mawiong before being shifted to Dr H. Gordon Roberts Hospital in Jaiaw. Despite doctors’ efforts, he was pronounced dead around 8:42 pm due to suspected cardiac arrest.
CM Conrad Sangma expressed profound grief, describing Syngkon as a compassionate leader committed to public service and the welfare of his people.
The proceedings of the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly were suspended on Friday as members came together to mourn the passing of Syngkon. Speaker Thomas A Sangma announced that the House would confine itself to obituary references for the day as a mark of respect to the deceased leader. He added that a revised schedule of sittings would be issued subsequently.
