Guwahati: Former Meghalaya minister and senior Congress leader Chamberline B Marak died at a hospital in Tura on Wednesday at the age of 80. He had been unwell for some time.
Marak was one of the veteran Congress leaders associated with the party during the tenure of former Chief Minister Salseng C Marak in the 1990s. Known for his academic background and literary interests, he was admired for his poetry and strong command of English literature.
He represented the Bajengdoba Assembly constituency in North Garo Hills on multiple occasions. The constituency was previously part of East Garo Hills. During his political career, Marak held several senior ministerial positions, with his tenure as education minister regarded as one of his most significant contributions to the state.
Marak last won an Assembly election from Bajengdoba in 2008.
Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma expressed grief over the veteran leader’s demise, recalling the close relationship Marak shared with his father, former Lok Sabha Speaker Purno A Sangma. The two leaders had worked together in the Congress and served the party in various capacities during their political careers.