Shillong, September 13: Former Meghalaya Chief Minister Donwa Dethwelson (DD) Lapang, a towering figure in the state’s political landscape, passed away on Friday evening at Bethany Hospital, Shillong, due to age-related ailments. He was 92.
Born on April 10, 1933, to Donwa War, Lapang began his early life with humble roots as a road labourer before working his way up to become a Sub-Inspector of Schools. In 1958, he married Amethyst Lynda Jomes Blah.
His political journey began in 1972 when he contested and won the Nongpoh Assembly seat as an Independent candidate. Over the years, he rose to prominence in the Indian National Congress, emerging as one of its tallest leaders in Meghalaya.
Lapang went on to serve four terms as Chief Minister of Meghalaya between 1992 and 2010. His career was marked by both resilience and political challenges, as he frequently navigated coalition politics and bouts of instability in the state.
