Former Minister passes away

Itagar, Oct 11: Former Aruchal Pradesh Minister and Deputy Speaker of the state assembly and four-time MLA from Mechuka Tadik Chije passed away Tuesday at his rented residence in Nirjuli, near here after a prolonged illness, family sources informed.

He was 63 and is survived by his wife, four sons, three daughters and three grand children.

Born on 2nd October 1952 to Tame Chije and Yaying Chije of Singbu village under Monigong Circle of West Siang district, Chije did his initial schooling from Monigong and Mechuka and later acquired his Bachelor of Arts Degree from Jawaharlal Nehru College, Pasighat. 

He started his political innings in the year 1978 as Member of Provisiol Legislative Assembly representing Mechuka Assembly Constituency. During his four term tenure as law maker, Late Chije served the state in various capacities.  Apart from serving as Deputy Speaker in the year 1978-79, he held the office of Pro-term Speaker twice in 1999 and 2004. 

Chije had also served as Minister BADP and Animal Husbandry & Veteriry in the year 2003-04. He also held several other important posts in his 35 years long political career before retiring from active politics in 2009.

Governor Brig (Dr) BD Mishra (Retd) has expressed grief and mourned the sudden demise of the former minister.

In his condolence message, the governor said that Late Chije, a veteran politician was a distinguished social activist, served his constituency for four terms and made immense contribution towards the state in various capacities during his long and distinguished political career.

Joining the people of the state in praying to the Almighty God to give the bereaved family strength and courage to bear the irreparable loss, the governor also offered his prayer for eterl peace of the departed soul.

Chief Minister Pema Khandu has expressed shock and grief over the sudden demise of Chije. 

In a message, Khandu said that the state has lost a seasoned politician and a first generation leader and expressed belief that he will remain immortal for his contributions in the evolution of Aruchal Pradesh and welfare of his people.  “I know this would be the most trying times for you and your family members. I hope my humble words of consolation would ease the grief even if a little. In this moment of grief, me, my family, colleagues in the government and people of Aruchal Pradesh extend our solidarity with you and share the pain inflicted on you by one of the greatest truths of life,” Khandu wrote in the condolence message addressed to Chije’s eldest son.