HT Bureau
DIPHU, Aug 1: The mortal remains of Monsing Rongpi, former Bokajan MLA and a leading figure in the Autonomous State movement of 1986, were cremated on Friday at the Diphu cremation ground following traditional Karbi rituals.
Rongpi passed away in the early hours of July 30 at his residence in Rukasen after a prolonged illness.
The body was taken in a procession from his residence at 9 am to the Diphu Municipal Board (DMB) office, where he had served as chairman during two terms — from 1991 to 1992 and again from 1993 to 1996 in an ad hoc capacity.
On arrival, DMB Chairman Rah Kro, along with ward commissioners and staff, paid floral tributes and offered prayers.
Following the homage at the DMB office, the funeral procession proceeded to the cremation ground.
His son Nochoi Rongpi, other family members, relatives, and well-wishers accompanied the procession.
Traditional Karbi rituals for cremation were performed by Uchepi, a Karbi professional mourner, before the final rites were conducted.
Several prominent personalities paid their last respects at the cremation ground, including former minister Holiram Terang; cousin brothers Saising Rongpi, Dhonsing Rongpi, Mensing Rongpi, Buraso Rongpi, and Deori Rongpi; MAC Kangjang Terang; former EM of KAAC Chomang Kro; former MP Dr Jayanta Rongpi; ex-MLA Dipendra Rongpi; and DMB Chairman Rah Kro.
Monsing Rongpi also had a brief association with The Hills Times English daily from 2007 to 2011 as an Associate Editor.
Representing the mediahouse, staff reporter Augustine Teron participated in the cremation.