Resubelpara, Aug 17 (Reporter) Former Meghalaya Chief Minister and veteran Congress leader, Salseng Chada Marak was on Saturday laid to rest in his native village at Gajingpara cemetery in Resubelpara, the district headquarters of North Garo Hills, with full state honours. Marak, 83, died on Friday morning while undergoing treatment at Civil hospital, Tura following a prolonged illness. A 21-gun salute was accorded to Marak, the first politician to have completed a full five-year term as Chief Minister of Meghalaya from 1993 to 1998, at the Resubelpara Mini Stadium. A floral wreath was placed on behalf of the Governor, C H Vijayashankar. The National Flag that draped the coffin was later handed over to Marak’s son, Silman K Sangma. Chief Minister Conrad Sangma and his cabinet colleagues, Assembly Speaker Thomas Ampang Sangma, Deputy Speaker Timothy Dalbot Shira and a host political leaders including Lok Sabha member from Tura Saleng Ampang Sangma, family members and friends stood in silence as speakers showered encomiums on the late leader. “Our State is poorer by the loss of a veteran politician renowned for his closeness to the people, his leadership, wisdom, and compassion. From his beginnings as a teacher and headmaster to his role as the head of government in our state, Marak’s journey has been truly inspirational,” the Chief Minister said. Assembly Speaker Thomas Ampang Sangma, described Marak, as “a mentor, friend and beacon of hope for countless individuals.” Recalling Marak’s contribution to Meghalaya, former Chief Minister and senior Trinamool Congress legislator, Dr. Mukul Manda Sangma, said one of the achievements was to ensure development and restore peace with members of the A’chik Liberation Matgrik Army militant outfit. “He had long innings in politics, he was a guide and inspiration to all of us,” Mukul, who had served as a minister under Chief Minister Marak. State Congress President Vincent Pala read out the condolence messages of Congress Supremo, Mallikarjun Kharge and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi. Former Deputy Chief Minister, Deborah Chada Marak, who is also the niece of the late Chiet Minister, thanked the government for accorded the state funeral and for being with the family in this time of grief and sorrow. Marak was first elected to the state assembly in 1972 as an APHLC candidate, later he along with other APHLC members joined the Congress and sided with Indira Gandhi when she formed Congress (I). Marak first tasted political defeat in 2003 election and 2008 again but made a comeback in this election...////...