'Architect of Itanagar 'Nabam Runghi passes away

Itanagar: The first Agency Council member of the then North East Frontier Agency (NEFA)from Nyishi community Nabam Runghi, who is credited to be the person behind making Itanagar as the capital of Arunachal Pradesh, died in his private residence at Yupia on Sunday night due to prolonged illness, family sources said.

He was 84 and is survived by four wives and many children and grandchildren. His last rites would be performed on Tuesday.

It was Runghi, who convinced the then governor of Assam, B K Nehru to make Itanagar as the capital. He carried bricks collected from the Itafort on his Narah (local bag) all the way from Itanagar to Shillong to prove that Itanagar is an important historical place and worthy to be made as capital.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Pema Khandu has condoled the sad demise of Runghi. In his condolence message to Runghi’s wife Nabam Yania, Khandu wrote, “it pains my heart to write to you at this moment of extreme grief. I humbly endure to share with you the saddest times of your life though I know that it would be hard to do so and ease the pain you and your family are going through.”

“The news of sad demise of Runghi has come as shock to me. He was conferred Gold Medal in the year 2017 by Government of Arunachal Pradesh for his outstanding contribution to the state and the society. He will be remembered as a first generation leader, a pioneer and an architect of Itanagar and a great social worker. His demise is a great loss to the state,” Khandu said.

“Though it would be difficult to share your grief at this moment, I join my family, colleagues in the government and the people in extending our solidarity with you and your family and pay rich tribute to the great soul. May Almighty God bless the departed soul with eternal peace in heavenly abode and give strength to you and your family to bear the irreparable loss,” the chief minister added.

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