
Sat Sep 13 04:28:57 UTC 2025: **Summary:**
Former Meghalaya Chief Minister Donwa Dethwelson Lapang passed away at age 93 due to age-related ailments. Lapang had a remarkable journey, rising from a road construction worker to become Chief Minister four times. He began his political career in 1972 and served multiple terms as Chief Minister, though he never completed a full term. He was associated with the Congress party for over 40 years before joining the National People’s Party in 2018, where he served as Chief Advisor to the Meghalaya government.
**News Article:**
**Former Meghalaya Chief Minister D.D. Lapang Passes Away at 93**
**Guwahati, India – September 13, 2025:** Donwa Dethwelson Lapang, the former Chief Minister of Meghalaya, has died at the age of 93. Lapang passed away in a Shillong hospital on Friday night after battling age-related ailments, his family confirmed. He is survived by his wife, Amethyst Lynda Jones Blah, and their two children.
Born on April 10, 1932, Lapang’s life was a true “rags-to-riches” story. He began his career as a road construction worker before graduating from an evening college in Shillong. He served as a teacher and later held positions in the Assam Secretariat.
Lapang entered politics in 1972, winning the Nongpoh Assembly constituency as an independent candidate when Meghalaya was formed. He subsequently joined the Congress party and served as Chief Minister on four separate occasions: 1992-1993, 2003-2006, 2007, and 2008-2010. Internal political struggles within the Congress-led coalitions and inability to prove majority led to Lapang stepping down or resigning multiple times.
After more than four decades with the Congress, Lapang joined the National People’s Party (NPP) in 2018, becoming Chief Advisor to the Meghalaya government under Conrad K. Sangma. He leaves behind a legacy as a leader who rose from humble beginnings to play a significant role in Meghalaya’s political landscape.