HT Bureau
DIPHU, July 31: Former MLA and Associate Editor of The Hills Times, Late Monsing Rongpi, is fondly remembered for his brief but impactful stint with the newspaper from 2007 to 2011.
His association with journalism followed a political lull, after the decline of the Autonomous State Demand Committee (ASDC) in the early 2000s, where he was an active leader.
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According to an official statement from the editorial team, Rongpi expressed his interest in contributing to the newspaper during a period when ASDC activities had dwindled.
The Editor of The Hills Times, Rameswar Chauhan, appointed him Associate Editor at the Diphu office in 2007.
Despite limited experience in journalism, Rongpi quickly adapted to the editorial environment and became a key figure in daily operations.
Rongpi, known for his simplicity and calm demeanour, would arrive at the office on time by 5 pm, often commuting on his classic scooter.
In an era when most news from Karbi Anglong correspondents arrived via fax, he played a vital role in compiling and editing news stories.
Due to limited familiarity with computers, Rongpi would dictate stories to computer assistant Boicy Thadou, who assisted with typing.
He was also actively involved in the editing process, reviewing reports composed by other staff members.
Team members recall a collaborative and respectful atmosphere during his tenure.
“He was a friend and a guide who shared his knowledge generously,” said Boicy Thadou, who worked closely with Rongpi, “He taught me a lot about editing and was always positive.”
Pradip Nath, then a staff reporter and currently with News Live in Bokajan, described him as “a lovable person with vast knowledge on many subjects” and someone who corrected mistakes gently without ever scolding.
In November 2009, Rongpi was seriously injured in a road accident near Rongnihang while returning from work with fellow staff member Augustine Teron.
The two met with a head-on collision with an auto-rickshaw due to which both Rongpi and Teron suffered fractures.
Both required surgeries in Guwahati. This accident marked a decline in Rongpi’s regular presence at the office.
Despite his brief editorial tenure, Monsing Rongpi is credited with strengthening the editorial quality of The Hills Times.
His contributions helped shape the paper’s tone and content during his years of service.
His legacy continues to be remembered with respect by colleagues who witnessed his dedication to both journalism and public service.
