Shillong, February 19 – Ricky A.J. Syngkon, a Member of Parliament from the Voice of the People Party (VPP) in Shillong, passed away on Thursday evening after suddenly falling ill while playing football. This event caused widespread shock and grief across Meghalaya's political landscape.
According to sources, Syngkon had gone to play football with friends on Thursday evening at a playground in Mawlai Mawiong.
During the match, he reportedly collapsed on the field, prompting immediate concern among those present. He was quickly taken to the nearby Mawiong Community Health Centre (CHC) by his friends for emergency medical attention.
However, sources said that due to the absence of a doctor at the facility at that time, he was referred to a higher medical center.
He was subsequently transferred to Dr. H. Gordon Roberts Hospital in Jaiaw for advanced treatment. Hospital sources said that despite the efforts of the medical team, Syngkon succumbed shortly after being admitted.
He was declared dead at around 8:42 p.m., leaving supporters, colleagues, and residents of the state stunned by the sudden loss.
Following the news of his death, Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong, VPP president Ardent Miller Basaiawmoit, along with several legislators, senior political leaders, and party workers, rushed to the hospital to pay their respects and console family members.
Syngkon, a first-time Member of Parliament, had emerged as a prominent political figure after winning a landslide victory in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
Contesting on a VPP ticket, he had defeated three-time Congress MP Vincent H. Pala by a massive margin of over 3.7 lakh votes, a result that marked a significant shift in Meghalaya's political landscape.
Known for his grassroots connections and advocacy on indigenous rights, governance, and transparency, Syngkon's sudden demise has left a void in state and national politics, particularly within the VPP.
Leaders across party lines expressed deep condolences, remembering him as a committed public representative with a promising political future.
The state government is expected to issue further details regarding the last rites and official condolence arrangements.