Former MLA passes away

FROM OUR CORRESPONDENT

Itagar, Aug 14: Former MLA Tumpak Ete breathed his last on Saturday at his Aalo residence, at the age of 78 years. He was suffering from ailments related to old age for quite some time, family sources informed.

A tive of Kugi (Pomte) village in West Siang district, Ete served the state government as a circle officer from 1965 to 1972, before being elected as MLA and serving the state in that capacity from 1979 to 1984.

Besides being a statesman, Ete was considered an eloquent composer of Donyi Polo prayer songs in the Galo language. These songs are now sung at gamgis (prayer halls) across the state. Some of his notable compositions are Tage Tanyi, Hedi Hekor, Abo Ge Doyi, and Nyirmen.

He was also the director of the Galo Folk Literature Centre from 1972 to till the time of his demise. He was instrumental in having Mopin festival celebrated centrally in 1966 for the first time. Mopin later became the state’s first officially recognized festival. He is survived by his wife, two sons, and several grandchildren, sources added.