CM Khandu declares 3-days State mourning

from our correspondent

Itagar, Aug 9: The Aruchal Pradesh Cabinet has decided to extend full status of state funeral and state mourning for three days to former Chief Minister Kalikho Pul who took extreme step to end his life at the Chief Minister’s official bungalow here this morning.

The cabinet which was chaired by Chief Minister Pema Khandu also expressed shock over the incident and said that Pul’s illustrious political career and valued service to the people would be etched in the memory of the people and history of the state.

 The state cabinet extended heartfelt condolences to the family members.

  Talking to reporters, Chief Secretary Shakuntala Doley Gamlin informed that the body of Pul would be flown to his tive village at Hawai in Anjaw district tomorrow for performing the last rites with full state honours.

  “All the official formalities have been completed and the body had been sent for post mortem. All angles have been minutely observed by police to ensure that there is no foul play in his death,” the chief secretary informed.

 When asked about the alleged suicide note left by Pul, Gamlin declined to comment.

The chief secretary appealed the people to maintain calm and further informed that all necessary precautions have been adopted by the administration to keep the situation under control.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Pema Khandu has expressed shock over the sudden and premature demise of his former colleague Kalikho Pul who breathed his last this morning.

In his condolence message to Pul’s wife 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 Pul, has come as shock to me.”

“Pul was a seasoned and veteran leader who served the state in various capacities. Besides proving his calibre as the longest serving fince minister, his hard work and dedication made him one of the tallest leaders of the State. He was a kind hearted and down to earth persolity which touched the hearts of millions. His good deeds, especially his compassiote approach towards the needy, fetched him great me and respect,” the chief minister said in his message.

“He was known for his high probity in public life and honest politics. He devoted and dedicated his entire life in social work in the remote areas of Aruchal Pradesh and had worked tirelessly for the upliftment of poor, widows, orphans, sick and needy people of region,” Khandu said.

“I share my persol association with him back to many years and had at various times benefitted from his guidance and advice. His passing is a persol loss for me. At this moment of grief, me, my family, colleagues in the Government and people of Aruchal Pradesh extend our solidarity with you and convey our deepest condolences,” Khandu added in his message.