February 21: Holiday Today for Schools, Offices in Meghalaya Shillong
Meghalaya Declares Holiday in Shillong Constituency to Honour Late MP Ricky AJ Syngkon
The Meghalaya government has declared February 21, 2026, as a public holiday across the Shillong Parliamentary Constituency as a mark of respect for the late Member of Parliament Ricky AJ Syngkon and to allow the public to attend his funeral rites.
Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma said the holiday will be observed in all districts falling under the constituency, giving citizens, supporters, and well-wishers an opportunity to participate in the funeral and pay their last respects. He noted that while the day had earlier been notified as a working day under compensatory holiday arrangements, it has now been officially designated as a holiday to honour the late leader.
Ricky AJ Syngkon, 54, represented the Voice of the People Party (VPP) in Parliament. He passed away on Thursday evening after collapsing while playing football in Shillong. He was initially taken to the Community Health Centre in Mawiong and later shifted to Dr. H. Gordon Roberts Hospital in Jaiaw. Despite efforts by doctors, he was declared dead at around 8:42 p.m., with suspected cardiac arrest cited as the cause.
