Shillong, July 29: The Meghalaya Democratic Alliance (MDA) has reiterated its commitment to further strengthen the present government led by the regional forces as per the wish of United Democratic Party (UDP) president and Assembly Speaker, late Dr Donkupar Roy Dkhar.

The decision was taken at a condolence meeting of all MDA partners to condole the death of Dr Donkupar.

The mortal remains of the UDP leader arrived in the state capital from New Delhi on Monday afternoon.

Leaders of the six political parties – National People’s Party, UDP, Hill State People’s Democratic Party, People’s Democratic Front (PDF), Nationalist Congress Party, Bhartiya Janata Party and Independents observed silence as a mark of respect for the departed leader.

Talking to reporters, UDP senior working president, Bindo M Lanong said, “We have reiterated that we will go ahead in his (Dr Roy) memory, his wish, and commitment that trans-regionalism should continue and this government has to go on with more strength and dedication for the good of the state and the people.”

Recalling the contributions made by Dr Donkupar to the state, Lanong said the leader was remembered for his commitment and vision to see that the people get the right benefits from the government and that the state is developed in a manner that it should.

He also appreciated the chief minister for his personal concern and for announcing three days state mourning and a holiday on the funeral day on Wednesday.

Chief minister Conrad K Sangma said, “What was important in the MDA meeting was that, we realized that we have our mission in front of us, and it was leaders like Dr Donkupar in certain manners used to talk and mention so many points to us. Today suddenly these have become mission statements for us, and so it has really motivated us in one way, and enforced our desire to complete all those visions, tasks and goals that our leader (Dr Donkupar) had.”

On Speaker post, the Chief Minister said that all other matters would be addressed at an appropriate time, but at this point of time, the government would like to appeal to the people of the state to pray for Dr Donkupar Roy’s soul and for the family during this difficult time.

Earlier, a condolence meeting of the Regional Democratic Alliance (RDA) which comprised of the UDP and HSPDP was held at MLA Hostel.

HSPDP legislator, Renikton Lyngdoh Tongkhar while recalling the contributions of Dr Donkupar, said that the UDP leader was instrumental in strengthening unity among the regional political parties.

He recalled the formation of the RDA between the UDP and the HSPDP under the leadership of Dr Donkupar before the 2018 Assembly polls .

“The regional alliance is still going strong. His (Dr Donkupar) dream was to see the unification of all regional parties in the state as he believed the presence of too many regional parties in the state. In his memories, we will try to reduce the number of regional parties,” Tongkhar said.

The HSPDP MLA expressed confidence that the unification of the regional parties may take shape before 2023.

The UDP also held a condolence meeting to pay respect to its leader.

Minister and UDP MLA, Metbah Lyngdoh said that the party still cannot accept that its leader is no more. “His (Dr Roy) sudden demise is a big lost to the party,” he said.

Lyngdoh also said that at the moment of sorrow, it is not an appropriate time to speak about the president’s post of the party at the moment.