The Meghalaya government has declared a three-day State Mourning from September 13-15 following the demise of former Chief Minister Donwa Dethwelson Lapang, popularly known as Dr D.D. Lapang or “Maheh.” During the mourning period, the National Flag will be flown at half-mast at all government establishments across the state, and no official entertainment will be held, officials confirmed on Saturday.
Commissioner and Secretary, Vijay Kumar Mantri, informed that a state funeral will be held at Student’s Field, Jaiaw, on Monday at 1 p.m. Lapang will later be laid to rest at the Jaiaw Presbyterian Church cemetery at Weiking, Jaiaw.
The veteran leader passed away on Friday night at Bethany Hospital, Shillong, after a prolonged battle with age-related ailments. He was 96. Lapang is survived by his wife, Amethyst Lynda Jomes Blah, and two children.